Parrotia persica, the Persian ironwood, is a tree for every season and holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Tiny crimson flowers appear on bare branches in late winter, and the deep green leaves turn spectacular shades of crimson, orange and gold in autumn. With age, the grey bark flakes to reveal attractive patterns, and its wide-spreading, architectural branches give year-round structure.
It grows to around 4m x 3m after 10 years. Plant in full sun or partial shade in well-drained soil; it tolerates chalk, although the best autumn colour comes on neutral to acid soils.
