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Parrotia persica - Persian Ironwood

Parrotia persica - Persian Ironwood

Most loved for its spectacular autumn foliage in shades of yellow, orange, red, and purple, along with its attractive mottled bark

Regular price $280.00
Sale price $280.00 Regular price
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Size: 40cm/45L
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Pot size
40cm/45L

Approximate only. Minimum height important? Confirm with us.

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you mustconfirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

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Size / batchEachQuantity
40cm/45LApprox. height: Approx. 1.4m – 1.75m$280.00
100LApprox. height: Approx. 2.6m – 3.2m$700.00

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you mustconfirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

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About Parrotia persica

Parrotia persica, Persian ironwood, is a deciduous tree with an upright frame and a wide spreading crown. Smooth grey bark flakes away in plates to leave a patchwork of cream, green and fawn. Small crimson flowers with yellow stamens open on bare wood in late winter, ahead of the leaves.

It grows 6 to 10 metres tall and 4 to 8 metres wide, adding about 20 to 40 centimetres a year. Full sun to part shade and a deep, well-drained soil suit it. Cool and cold temperate districts bring the strongest autumn colour, frost is no issue, and established trees take moderate dry spells.

The autumn display of orange, red and purple, followed by the winter bark and flowers, makes it a year-round specimen for a lawn, courtyard, park or street verge. The roots are well behaved and the canopy is not heavy handed. A good choice where a deciduous feature tree has to earn its space.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Persian Ironwood

What is Parrotia persica?

Persian ironwood is a deciduous tree from northern Iran, grown for four seasons of interest. It has an upright trunk with a wide spreading crown, smooth grey bark that flakes to a cream, green and fawn patchwork, crimson flowers in late winter, and a strong orange and red autumn display.

How big does Persian Ironwood grow?

It reaches about 6 to 10 metres tall and 4 to 8 metres wide at maturity, which takes decades. Growth is around 20 to 40 centimetres a year. The crown is broad relative to the height, so plan for the width rather than the height when placing it near a house or boundary.

When does it flower?

Late winter into early spring, roughly July to September, on bare branches before the leaves appear. The flowers are small crimson tufts of stamens without petals, dark red against the pale flaking bark. Individually they are modest, but a mature tree in flower against a winter sky justifies the position.

Is it deciduous, and what is the autumn colour like?

It is deciduous, dropping its leaves through the colder months. Autumn colour is the main event, with the broad ovate leaves turning orange, scarlet and purple, often several colours on the one tree at once. The display is strongest in cool temperate districts where the nights sharpen up in April and May.

How fast does it grow?

Around 20 to 40 centimetres a year, which is moderate to slow. It is not a tree for instant effect, and an advanced specimen is the practical way to get scale early. The slow rate has an upside, since the wood is dense and hard, the branches are strong and the tree is long lived.

Does it have invasive roots?

No. The root system is fibrous and well behaved, and Persian ironwood is not known for lifting paving or damaging drains. It is a reasonable choice near paths, driveways and courtyards, though as with any tree of this size, keep it a sensible distance from house footings and service lines.

How do I prune and care for it?

It needs very little pruning. Remove dead or crossing branches in winter and otherwise leave the natural frame alone, since the spreading habit is part of the appeal. Water deeply through the first few summers, mulch out towards the drip line, and feed in early spring. Established trees take moderate dry spells.

Foliage

Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months)

Position
  • Full Sun
  • Part Shade
Form
  • Upright
  • Broad
Use
  • Feature Tree
  • Street Tree
  • Avenue Planting

Planting Information

How To Plant Your Parrotia persica - Persian Ironwood

Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun to part shade with room for the canopy to develop.

Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and aged manure for a strong establishment phase.

Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.

Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in, then water deeply to settle the roots.

Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Parrotia persica - Persian Ironwood

Hedging and screening: 1 to 1.5 metres apart for a dense informal screen, or 80 centimetres apart for a tighter formal hedge.

Feature tree: 3 to 4 metres apart to allow the full canopy and form to develop.

Avenue planting: 3 metres apart for a uniform soft-textured avenue.

Parrotia persica - Persian Ironwood is expected to grow 20cm to 40cm per year (approx.).

  • Medium Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Parrotia persica - Persian Ironwood

Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, reduce to once weekly in dry periods. Mulch helps maintain consistent moisture.

Mulching: Apply a 5 to 7 centimetre layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it 5 centimetres clear of the trunk.

Pruning: Tip prune in late winter and again in summer to build dense growth. For a formal hedge, light shaping two to three times a year keeps lines crisp.

Fertilising: Apply a slow-release general-purpose fertiliser in early spring and again in autumn for steady growth and consistent foliage colour.

Pest and disease: Hardy against most pests and diseases. Occasional inspection for psyllids or scale in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

Planting Your Parrotia persica - Persian Ironwood in Different Soil

Parrotia Persica performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage is improved with organic matter.

Sandy soil: Free-draining and ideal. Mulch well to maintain consistent moisture.

Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and organic compost before planting.

Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent growth.

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral preferred. Mulch with composted leaf litter to maintain levels naturally.

Uses in my Garden

Uses in my Garden

  • Feature Tree
  • Street Tree
  • Avenue Planting

Parrotia persica - Persian Ironwood works in an:

  • Woodland Garden – layered, naturalistic design under dappled light.
  • Heritage / Traditional Garden – timeless, classic plantings for period homes.
  • Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.

Is Parrotia persica - Persian Ironwood Evergreen or Deciduous?

Parrotia persica - Persian Ironwood is an Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 6m to 10m (approx.)

Mature Width: 4m to 8m

Parrotia persica - Persian Ironwood is expected to grow 20cm to 40cm per year (approx.).

Growth Rate of Parrotia persica - Persian Ironwood

Parrotia persica - Persian Ironwood is expected to grow 20cm to 40cm per year (approx.).

They are considered to have a:

  • Medium Growth Rate

Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Parrotia persica - Persian Ironwood

Is Parrotia persica - Persian Ironwood frost tolerant?

Parrotia persica - Persian Ironwood is Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Does Parrotia persica - Persian Ironwood Flower?

Parrotia persica produces small, striking crimson-red, tassel-like flowers in late winter before the leaves emerge. Though subtle in size, the vivid red stamens create a unique early-season display that stands out against the bare branches.

Does Parrotia persica - Persian Ironwood flower?

  • Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

  • Winter
  • Spring

Flower Type:

  • Clustered

Flower Colour:

Red

Is Parrotia persica - Persian Ironwood an Australian Native Tree?

No

Parrotia persica - Persian Ironwood is Native to Northern Iran and the Alborz Mountains near the Caspian Sea, where it grows in temperate forests.

What is the Wildlife Value of Parrotia persica - Persian Ironwood ?

Its early-spring flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees and beneficial insects when few other species are in bloom. The dense branching and broad canopy offer shelter and nesting space for small birds, while the autumn leaf litter supports microfauna, adding biodiversity to woodland and ornamental gardens.

How much Sunlight does Parrotia persica - Persian Ironwood need?

Parrotia persica - Persian Ironwood will thrive best in:

  • Full Sun
  • Part Shade

Preferred Soil?

Parrotia persica performs best in moist, well-drained loam or sandy loam soils and prefers slightly acidic to neutral conditions. It may struggle in heavy clay, alkaline or poorly drained sites unless improved with organic matter to enhance structure, aeration and moisture balance. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then maintain deep, occasional watering as the tree matures to support steady growth, healthy root development and vibrant autumn colour.

Is Parrotia persica - Persian Ironwood Drought Tolerant?

Is Parrotia persica - Persian Ironwood Drought tolerant?

As a young tree it requires regular watering, and once established Persian Ironwood offers moderate drought tolerance. It performs best in moist, well-drained soils but withstands occasional dry periods with deep, infrequent watering to maintain healthy foliage and strong seasonal colour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • What is the significance of the exfoliating bark of Persian Ironwood?
    The exfoliating bark of Parrotia persica adds year-round interest and uniqueness to the tree, with its patches of cream, green, and brown revealing themselves as the bark peels away.
  • Is this tree suitable for urban environments?
    Yes, Persian Ironwood's manageable size and ornamental qualities make it an excellent choice for urban landscapes, adding character and beauty.
  • Does it attract wildlife?
    While not primarily grown for wildlife attraction, the tree's winter flowers may provide a food source for early pollinators.

Compare sizes

40cm/45L

Approx. 1.4m – 1.75m

100L

Approx. 2.6m – 3.2m

Photographs are not to scale. Heights are approximate and vary between individual trees.

Parrotia persica is loved for its spectacular autumn foliage in shades of yellow, orange, red, and purple, along with its attractive mottled bark

We take pride in supplying A+ grade advanced trees. When stock at our farm is not yet ready, we work with our trusted trade suppliers to source the best available trees for your garden.

Plant Your Parrotia persica - Persian Ironwood With:

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

Enriched Planting Mix is a certified organic blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent, bagged in 30L. It is built to be dug through existing garden soil at planting time rather than used on its own, and the gypsum is what sets it apart from a plain compost.

Gypsum helps break up heavy clay so water and roots can move through it, while the compost and manure return organic matter and nutrient to tired ground. The coarse bark holds structure and keeps air around the root zone, and the wetting agent keeps moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering.

Use it when planting trees, shrubs, roses, fruit trees and exotic garden plants, particularly into clay. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot and 7 centimetres deeper, then mix roughly one third planting mix through the excavated soil. Spread 7 centimetres of that improved soil in the base before setting the plant in.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Enriched Planting Mix

What is Enriched Planting Mix made from?

It is a blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent. Each part has a job. The compost and manure supply organic matter and nutrient, the gypsum works on clay structure, the bark keeps air around the roots and the wetting agent holds moisture in the soil.

What plants is it suitable for?

It suits exotic garden plants, including roses, ornamental and deciduous trees, fruit trees, shrubs and perennials, and it earns its keep most on heavy clay sites. It is a planting mix rather than a potting mix, so its job is improving soil at planting time. Phosphorus sensitive natives are the one clear exception.

Is it safe for natives?

No, not for the phosphorus sensitive ones. The composted animal manure in this blend lifts phosphorus well above what Proteaceae such as Banksia, Grevillea, Hakea and Protea will tolerate, and the result can be leaf burn, dieback and plant death. Use the Native Potting Mix for those species, or plant them into unimproved local soil.

Is it certified organic?

Yes. It is a certified organic product with no chemical additives, which is why the manure and compost in it are fully composted rather than raw. That makes it sound around fruit trees and vegetable beds, and it means you are adding genuine organic matter to your soil rather than a synthetic conditioner.

How much do I need?

Work on roughly one third planting mix to two thirds of the soil you dug out of the hole. For a shrub out of a 200 millimetre pot that is only a few litres. An advanced tree going into a large hole will take considerably more. Judge the quantity by the volume of the hole rather than the size of the plant.

Can I use it in pots?

It is not a potting mix and should not be used on its own in a container. The blend is designed to be diluted through garden soil, and used straight in a pot it holds too much water and settles badly. For containers, reach for a premium potting mix, or the native mix if you are potting natives.

Does it need to be watered in?

Yes. Water the plant well several hours before you plant it, then water thoroughly again once the hole is backfilled and the soil firmed down. That first deep watering settles the improved soil around the root ball and drives out air pockets. Keep the water up over the first few months while the roots establish.

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