Growing Parrotia (Persian Ironwood) for Spectacular Fall Color

Pronunciation: par-roe'-tee-ah

Plant parrotia in full sun (partial shade in the South) in slightly acidic, well-drained soil. Prune in late winter before the curious but inconspicuous flowers emerge. This tree is slow to break dormancy in spring. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10.

Emerald green summer foliage transforms into a blaze of golden yellow, orange, and brilliant scarlet in fall—rivaling even the showiest maples. With maturity, bark exfoliates to reveal patches of silver, green, and cinnamon.

Medium growth rate—reaches about 10 feet in 6–8 years. May spread 15–30 feet, sometimes wider than tall. Essentially pest-free.

Suggested use: Specimen tree.