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Parrotia persica 'Vanessa'

Persian ironwood 'Vanessa'

A small, upright tree with attractive, flaking bark and small red flowers on bare stems in late winter and early spring. The young foliage is red and bronze turning green for summer then producing spectacular autumn colour with shades of red, orange and purple

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Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Red Bronze Red
Summer Green
Autumn Orange Purple Red
Winter Red
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Hamamelidaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus

Parrotia are deciduous trees with broadly ovate leaves which colour well in autumn, and small but abundant red flowers in late winter and early spring

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in a well-drained or moist but well-drained soil in full sun for the best colour; makes a good, small, specimen tree. For more advice see tree cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood or softwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.