Persian ironwood

Parrotia persica

TreeHamamelidaceae

Persian ironwood
Drought tolerant
USDA zones4 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size20 to 40 feet tall20 to 30 feet wide
Growth rate
Slow
Habit
Ascending
Bloom season
Spring, summer, autumn, winter
Bloom color
Red
Foliage color
Green, purple/lavender, red/burgundy
Soil types
Sand, loam, clay, chalk
Soil pH
Acid, alkaline, neutral

Garden uses

BorderContainerCottage gardenFoundationLow maintenanceSpecimenWinter interest

Notes

Persian ironwood (Parrotia persica) is a tree for specimen planting, winter interest, borders, and low maintenance gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes full or part sun and average to moist soil of most types. It grows slowly and reaches 20 to 40 feet tall with an ascending habit. The leaves mix green, purple, and red tones, and the tree is drought tolerant once settled in.

Pairs well with Lenten rose, Christmas fern, and Blue fescue.

Native range

Northern Iran and Caucaus.