PARROTIA PERSICA

Parrotia persica 

Common name - Persian Ironwood

Family - HAMAMELIDACEA

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Alongside Hamamelis mollis, this deciduous tree is a breathtaking sight, as its large, smooth, wavy-edged leaves turn brilliant yellow, then orange and finally blaze fiery red before falling. In late winter and early spring, insignificant, spidery, red flowers appear before the leaves. Persian ironwood is a spreading tree, with a short trunk and peeling grey and fawn bark. As it normally has multiple stems, it is best grown as a large shrub in the border or in an open woodland garden. It can get very big, so it is best suited to larger gardens.

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CULTIVATION 

moist, well-drained soil, preferably acidic. Parrotia persica will tolerate exposed conditions, but sheltered is preferable. 

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PROPAGATION 

Propagate via semi-hardwood or hardwood cuttings from this years growth, during winter. 

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PRUNING 

Generally pest and disease free and little pruning is necessary. Beneficial to prune away crossing, diseased or damaged branches but can damage the tree with harsh pruning. Light pruning should be done during late summer to avoid long term damage. 

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Photo by Muséum de Toulouse - https://www.flickr.com/photos/museumdetoulouse/8453161356/, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=24503451