Parrotia persica - Persian Ironwood
Parrotia persica is a highly ornamental tree, native to Iran, which makes a great year round feature with something to offer in every season.
In late winter/early spring, when there is little interest amongst other trees, Parrotia persica produces its flowers on the bare stems. Similar to witchazel but smaller, the pinkish red flowers are borne in abundant clusters.
Early to leaf in Spring, the foliage is lustrous and green with a waved edge throughout summer. The autumn brings one of the finest displays to be seen on the nursery, with vibrant hues of yellow, red, orange and purple.
The bark of mature Parrotia trees is also an attractive quality. It is smooth but exfoliates in thin scaly plates (like a plane tree) to reveal cream, yellow and greens patches of colour.
FACT: Unter den Linden, translating to "under the linden trees" is an avenue running from the Brandenburg Gate to the site of the Stadtschloss royal palace in Berlin, flanked by Tilia europaea 'Pallida'.
Plant Profile
Height: 8-10m
Demands: Tolerant of most soils, including chalk. Avoid heavy soils. Sun to light shade.
Foliage: Smooth green leaves with a wavy margin
Flower: Clusters of red flowers on bare stems in winter
Bark: Fine plates flake in cream, grey and orange
