Persian Ironwood 'Vanessa'
An outstanding four-season small tree, Parrotia persica ‘Vanessa’ (Persian Ironwood) is rich with many exceptional attributes.
Native: The species is native to the forests of Northern Iran and the Caucasus, but the ‘Vanessa’ cultivar was selectively bred for specific features, making it a popular choice in gardens around the world.
Plant Type and Habit: This deciduous tree has an upright, columnar growth habit that becomes broader as it matures. It creates a natural focal point, suitable for both small and large gardens.
Size: It typically grows to 15-40 feet (4.5 to 12 meters) in height and 10-20 feet (3-6 meters) in spread.
Flowers: Small red flowers adorn this tree, appearing before the foliage in late winter to early spring. Though the blooms are not particularly showy, they add a unique touch to the overall appearance.
Fruits: The fruit of the Parrotia is a two-valved capsule containing a couple of seeds; however, it is inconspicuous and not particularly ornamental.
Foliage: The foliage is perhaps the tree’s most stunning feature. The leaves transition from green to a mix of yellow, orange, and crimson in the fall, offering an autumnal display that’s hard to ignore.
Bark: The bark is another significant attribute; it exfoliates, revealing a tapestry of gray, green, and cream colors underneath.
Award: Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its outstanding qualities.
Hardiness: Parrotia persica is remarkably hardy, tolerating USDA Zones 4-7. It can withstand a wide range of soil types and environmental conditions.
Uses: This tree is often used for ornamental purposes, owing to its attractive foliage, bark, and fall color. It is also used in avenue plantings, as a specimen tree, and is well suited to an open woodland setting. It is pollution tolerant.
Wildlife: While not a primary source of food for wildlife, its flowers attract pollinators like bees.
Deer and Rabbits: Deer will infrequently nibble on the young branches or seedlings of Ironwood, but this tends to happen only when their preferred food options are scarce.
Drought: Though it prefers moist, well-drained soil, Parrotia persica demonstrates a fair amount of drought resistance once established. It is also heat tolerant.
Toxicity: Parrotia persica is non-toxic to both humans and animals, making it a safe choice for family gardens.
Invasiveness: The tree is not considered invasive in North America. It has a slow to moderate growth rate and doesn’t pose a threat to native vegetation.
Benefits: Besides its ornamental benefits, Parrotia persica is low-maintenance, adaptable to various soil types, and pest-resistant – attributes that make it a fantastic choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
Parrotia persica ‘Vanessa’ is a versatile, attractive, and relatively low-maintenance tree that offers year-round interest, making it a valuable addition to diverse landscapes.
Light: Parrotia persica thrives in full sun to light shade. A sunny spot will help produce the most vibrant fall colors.
Soil: This tree is adaptable to a wide range of soil types but prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil. It tolerates poor soils and acidic to slightly alkaline pH levels.
Water: Water moderately, especially during the first year to establish roots. Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant but prefers consistent moisture.
Fertilizer: A balanced slow-release fertilizer can be applied in early spring, although Parrotia persica is not particularly demanding in terms of nutrients.
Pruning: Minimal pruning is required, mostly for shape and to remove any dead or diseased branches. Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring.
Propagation: Propagate by semi-hardwood or softwood cuttings.
Pests and Diseases: Parrotia persica is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. Keep an eye out for armillaria root rot.
Hardiness |
4 - 7 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
1 - 7 |
Climate Zones | 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17 |
Plant Type | Trees |
Plant Family | Hamamelidaceae |
Common names | Persian Ironwood |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 15' - 40' (4.6m - 12.2m) |
Spread | 10' - 20' (3m - 6.1m) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy |
Tolerance | Drought |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders |
Garden Styles | Traditional Garden, City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage |
Hardiness |
4 - 7 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
1 - 7 |
Climate Zones | 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17 |
Plant Type | Trees |
Plant Family | Hamamelidaceae |
Common names | Persian Ironwood |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 15' - 40' (4.6m - 12.2m) |
Spread | 10' - 20' (3m - 6.1m) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Plant of Merit, Showy |
Tolerance | Drought |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders |
Garden Styles | Traditional Garden, City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage |
How many Parrotia persica ‘Vanessa’ (Persian Ironwood) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Parrotia persica ‘Vanessa’ (Persian Ironwood) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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