Persian Ironwood Tree | Parrotia persica 'Vanessa'
A true four-season tree!
Grown by Mike
Roots' Cotswolds Valley Nursery
2 Year Old Tree in a 4.5L Pot
60-90cm inc. pot on arrival
Choose your size
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Plant diary
- Flower
- Harvest
Persian Ironwood Tree
Parrotia persica 'Vanessa'
- With its late winter flowers, flaky patchwork bark and stunning autumn foliage colour, 'Vanessa' delivers incredible visual interest the whole year round.
- The dainty red blooms are borne on bare branches from the end of winter into early spring, providing a much-needed injection of colour in an otherwise bleak period in the garden calendar.
- A mottled, jigsaw-like appearance to the tree's skin is redolent of camouflage, or perhaps a snake's skin. Whatever you think it looks like, I think we can all agree it looks pretty darn splendid.
- However, while the flowers and bark are undoubtedly highly attractive, it's the foliage that really elevates this tree to the next level. The leaves start out in bronze shades, before maturing to green and then finally, in autumn, taking on an inferno of orange, red and golden hues.
- 'Vanessa' is a recipient of the RHS Award of Garden Merit, an accolade bestowed upon those plants shown to perform particularly well in British gardens.
What to expect
Supplied as
Height on arrival
Eventual height
Eventual spread
Flower colour
Habit
Hardiness
Spacing
Will this grow in my garden?
Can I grow this in a pot?
Yes, Persian Ironwood Tree can be grown in a pot initially. Start with a 50cm pot. Depending on its vigour, it may need moving to the ground after a few years. Ensure adequate drainage and water regularly during warm weather above 20°C.
How big does it get?
The Persian Ironwood Tree 'Vanessa' grows to a height of 8 to 10 metres, with a narrow spread of 3 to 4 metres, although it can be maintained at a smaller size with regular pruning.
How much sunlight does this need?
Persian Ironwood Tree prefers full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive.
What kind of soil does this plant prefer?
Persian Ironwood Tree prefers moist, well-drained soil, but is highly adaptable to a variety of garden soil types, withstanding temperatures down to -10°C. Provide a 5cm layer of mulch to protect the roots.
How much watering does this plant need?
Persian Ironwood Tree requires regular watering, especially during its first few years of establishment. Provide approximately 10 to 20 litres of water per week, ensuring the soil remains moist but well-drained. During hot weather above 25°C, increase watering frequency to prevent the roots from drying out.
Will this plant need pruning?
Persian Ironwood Tree should be pruned in late winter or early spring while dormant, removing any dead, diseased, or crossing branches.
How hardy is this plant?
Parrotia persica 'Vanessa' is fully hardy throughout the UK with an RHS rating of H6, capable of withstanding temperatures as low as -20°C.
The wider garden
Roots' Cotswolds Valley Nursery
Meet Mike
Tree-growing skills honed right across the globe
Having started out in Australia, studied in Northern Ireland and volunteered at an organic farm in Sweden, it’s fair to say Mike’s done his fair share of travel on his horticultural journey, so far! Having happily laid down roots here at Roots, Mike is the don behind our tree-growing operation, imparting each and every one of his globally-honed skills to benefit your garden. Grown in our purpose-built nursery, in the ideal climatic conditions of the fertile Vale of Evesham, we’re proud to supply only the happiest, healthiest and hardiest trees.
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