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Vanessa Persian Ironwood

Name: Vanessa Persian Ironwood
Brand: Parrotia
Availability: InStock

Parrotia persica 'Vanessa'

$75.00

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

360 inches

Width

180 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived, over 100 years

Native To

Northern Iran

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Parrotia persica, the Persian Ironwood, is a small to medium deciduous tree highly valued for its incredible multi-season interest, including stunning fall color and beautiful exfoliating bark. 'Vanessa' is a distinct cultivar chosen for its upright, vase-shaped to columnar growth habit, which is much narrower than the typically wide-spreading species. This makes it an excellent choice for smaller gardens and street-side planting.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

A true four-season tree. It offers subtle but interesting red flowers in late winter, lush green summer foliage, a spectacular fall display of yellow, orange, and red, and beautiful exfoliating bark for winter interest.

The 'Vanessa' cultivar's upright form makes it a superb choice for narrow planting strips, small urban gardens, or as a vertical element in a mixed border where a wider tree would not fit. It is also very low-maintenance.

While not a major wildlife plant, its dense branching provides shelter and nesting sites for birds. It is remarkably free of serious pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical interventions in the landscape.

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Where to Buy

Dancing Oaks

<1 Gal Pot

In Stock$75.00

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with well-drained soil and full or partial sun.
Dig a planting hole twice as wide as the root ball.
Position the tree so the top of the root ball is level with the ground.
Backfill with native soil, watering gently to remove air pockets.
Water thoroughly once the hole is filled.
Apply a 2-inch layer of organic mulch around the base.

Pro Tip

For the best fall color, plant in a location that receives full sun and has slightly acidic soil. The color is less vibrant in shade.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during its first few years.
Provide good drainage; it dislikes constantly wet feet.
Allow the tree to develop its natural form with minimal pruning.
Protect young trees from deer browsing.

Don't

Don't plant in highly alkaline soils, which can cause chlorosis.
Avoid planting in deep shade, as it will reduce fall color.
Do not perform heavy pruning; it rarely needs it.
Don't allow the soil to become compacted over the root zone.

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

Architectural specimen for four-season interestExcellent vertical accent for narrow spacesDurable and attractive street tree

Companion Plants

Hamamelis virginiana Fothergilla gardenii Carex oshimensis 'Evergold' Galanthus nivalis Heuchera 'Palace Purple'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Vanessa Persian Ironwood questions

What zones can Vanessa Persian Ironwood grow in?

Vanessa 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 Vanessa Persian Ironwood deer resistant?

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

When does Vanessa Persian Ironwood bloom?

Vanessa 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 Vanessa Persian Ironwood need full sun?

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

Is Vanessa Persian Ironwood drought tolerant?

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