Persian parrotia tree (Parrotia persica) par-ROE-tee-ah PER-sih-kah Genus:  Parrotia Parrotia persica has one of the most beautiful foliage displays, in addition to year-round eye appeal and ease of maintenance. Reddish-purple when unfolding in spring, the leaves are a lustrous dark green in summer, and yellow to orange or scarlet in fall. Leaves hold their color for a long period. Older branches and trunks develop an exfoliating gray, green, white, and brown color that is a welcome asset in the winter garden. It grows successfully in Zones 4 to 8, tolerates sun and partial shade, and is easy to transplant. Often, vegetatively propogated forms offer more reliable fall color. Noteworthy Characteristics:  Easy to grow. Nice foliage spring through fall, often with great color in the autumn. Bark exfoliates with age. Tiny red flowers in winter. Care:  For best autumn color, grow in acidic soil. It also needs deep, fertile, moist soil in full sun or part shade. Prune minimally—simply remove crossing branches or those that are growing in an unattractive direction. Propagation:  Sow seed in a cold frame in the autumn; take greenwood cuttings in early summer, or semi-ripe cuttings in mid- and late summer. Problems:  Infrequent.

Overview

Height 15 ft. to 30 ft. Spread 15 ft. to 30 ft. Growth Habit Spreads Growth Pace Moderate Grower Light Full Sun to Part Shade Moisture Medium Moisture Maintenance Moderate Characteristics Interesting Bark, Showy Fall Foliage, Showy Foliage Bloom Time Early Spring Flower Color Red Uses Specimen Plant/Focal Point Style Woodland Garden Seasonal Interest Spring Interest Type Trees