Consulta Plantas

Care of the tree Parrotia persica or Persian ironwood

The genus Parrotia, family Hamamelidaceae, includes a single species of tree or shrub native to Iran, Armenia and Azerbaijan: Parrotia persica.

Common name: Persian ironwood.

They are dioecious deciduous trees with low branching that reach 12 meters (39.37 feet) in height. The leaves, obovate or ovate, measure 7 cm (2.75") in length and are light green in color; in autumn they take on beautiful golden and reddish tones. The insignificant yellowish flowers with red anthers appear before the leaves. They bloom in late winter and early spring.

They are used in large gardens as isolated specimens or in small groups and in public parks.

Parrotia persica prefers full sun exposure but also grows in semi-shade. They resist frost down to -10 ºC (14 ºF).

The soil can be normal garden soil that contains organic matter and is well drained with coarse sand; they tolerate calcareous and clayey soils if the drainage is correct.

Water regularly so that the substrate does not dry out completely. They do not resist drought or waterlogging.

Fertilize in autumn with compost or manure.

They do not need pruning but the shoots that may arise at the base can be eliminated.

They are quite resistant plants to the usual pests and diseases.

They are propagated by semi-woody cuttings, by layering and from seeds sown in spring; the process from seeds is slow and complicated.

Images of the tree Parrotia persica or Persian ironwood