tree

Persian Spire Ironwood

Parrotia persica 'Jl Columnar'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

300 inches

Width

120 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

50-100 years

Native To

Iran (Persia)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Parrotia persica, or Persian Ironwood, is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree in the witch hazel family. It is highly valued for its multi-season interest, including spectacular fall color, attractive exfoliating bark, and unique late-winter flowers. Persian Spire ('JL Columnar') is a distinctive cultivar with a narrow, upright, columnar growth habit. Its foliage provides season-long color, emerging with a purple cast, maturing to green with a purple margin, then turning brilliant orange, red, and yellow in fall.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Persian Spire is a superb four-season ornamental tree. It offers subtle red flowers in late winter, purple-tinged new foliage in spring, handsome green and purple summer leaves, and a blazing display of fall color. In winter, the upright form and developing exfoliating bark provide strong structure and interest.

Its tight, columnar habit makes it an outstanding choice for narrow spaces, such as side yards, city gardens, or as a formal screen where a traditional wide-spreading tree would not fit. It is also highly resistant to pests, diseases, and deer, making it a very low-maintenance landscape plant.

While not a primary wildlife plant, its pest-free nature eliminates the need for pesticides. The dense branching can provide shelter and nesting opportunities for birds. As a tough, drought-tolerant tree, it is a resilient choice for challenging urban and suburban environments.

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Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with full sun to part shade and well-drained, acidic soil.
Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball.
Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the root flare is at or above soil level.
Backfill with native soil and water thoroughly to settle.
Ironwood is slow to establish; be patient and provide consistent water.
Apply a layer of mulch to keep the root zone cool and moist.

Pro Tip

Plant in a location where its beautiful exfoliating bark and subtle winter flowers can be appreciated up close.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide well-drained, acidic soil.
Water regularly during the first few seasons to encourage establishment.
Allow the tree to develop its natural columnar form with minimal pruning.
Protect from harsh winter winds in the northern parts of its range.
Appreciate its four seasons of interest.

Don't

Do not plant in alkaline (high pH) soil, which can cause chlorosis.
Avoid planting in poorly drained or waterlogged locations.
Don't perform heavy pruning, which can ruin its natural shape.
Avoid planting the species form in small spaces; choose this columnar type instead.
Don't expect rapid growth, especially in the first few years.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Mulch
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Elegant vertical accent for narrow spacesFour-season specimen treeFormal screen or hedge

Companion Plants

Fothergilla gardenii Hamamelis virginiana Carex oshimensis 'Evergold' Helleborus x hybridus Galanthus nivalis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Persian Spire Ironwood questions

What zones can Persian Spire Ironwood grow in?

Persian Spire Ironwood is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Persian Spire Ironwood deer resistant?

Yes — Persian Spire Ironwood is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Persian Spire Ironwood bloom?

Persian Spire Ironwood typically blooms in late winter through early spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Persian Spire Ironwood need full sun?

Persian Spire Ironwood does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Persian Spire Ironwood drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Persian Spire Ironwood handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.