tree RHS Award

Persian Ironwood

Parrotia persica

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

360 inches

Width

240 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Northern Iran

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Parrotia persica is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree in the witch hazel family, typically growing with a low-branching, rounded habit. It is prized for its incredible multi-hued fall color and its exfoliating bark. This tree offers exceptional four-season interest, with unique, spidery red flowers blooming on bare stems in late winter, followed by handsome summer foliage, a spectacular fall color display of yellow, orange, and red, and beautiful exfoliating bark.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Persian Ironwood is a connoisseur's tree, offering year-round beauty. Its most lauded feature is the kaleidoscopic fall foliage, but the subtle winter flowers and the handsome, mottled, exfoliating bark on mature specimens provide significant interest.

It is a tough, pest-free, and drought-tolerant tree once established, making it a low-maintenance choice for parks, residential yards, and street plantings where space allows for its broad canopy.

While not a native, its dense canopy can provide shelter and nesting sites for birds. The late winter flowers may offer a pollen source for the very earliest foraging insects on warm days.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a location with full sun for best fall color.
Ensure the soil is well-drained; it tolerates clay.
Dig a planting hole that is twice as wide as the root ball.
Set the tree so the root flare is at or slightly above grade.
Backfill with the original soil and water in well.
Provide regular water for the first year until it is established.

Pro Tip

Train it as a single-trunk tree when young if a higher canopy is desired for clearance over a walkway or patio.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Give it ample space to develop its natural, broad-spreading habit.
Prune when young to develop a good branch structure.
Appreciate its subtle red flowers against a snowy backdrop in late winter.
Water deeply during prolonged summer droughts.

Don't

Do not plant in a confined space.
Avoid planting in alkaline soils, which can cause chlorosis.
Don't perform heavy pruning on a mature tree.
Don't forget to look at the beautiful exfoliating bark in winter.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Outstanding four-season specimen treeArtistic multi-stemmed woodland accentDurable and attractive small street tree

Companion Plants

Hamamelis virginiana Fothergilla gardenii Helleborus foetidus Galanthus nivalis Carex 'Evergold'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Persian Ironwood questions

What zones can Persian Ironwood grow in?

Persian Ironwood is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Persian Ironwood deer resistant?

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

When does Persian Ironwood bloom?

Persian 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 Ironwood need full sun?

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

Is Persian Ironwood drought tolerant?

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