8-19-08: Parrotia persica

Parrotia persica Writing about autumn color in mid August is like a child seeing ads for school supplies: we are not quite ready to go there yet but when we get there it will be fine. To entice you into the wonderful season of fall, we have an exceptional tree for plant of the week. The parrotia tree is a native of the forested region around the North Persian (Iranian) Caspian Sea. As a member of the witch hazel family (Hammamelidaceae) Parrotia persica features early spring flowers that appear before the tree leafs out. The flowers are ruby red and are just the stamens as there are no petals. Jewel like colors are the main attraction of parrotia when Autumn unveils the yellow, orange and scarlet beauty of this treat. In winter the bark is distinctly attractive with its flakey patchwork colors of gray, buff pink and creamy yellow.

Spring and summer the leaves are green with a tinge of red on the new growth. Complimenting its beauty is the health of the tree. Parrrotia is disease and pest free, deer resistant and can withstand drought, heat, wind and cold. Perfect as a specimen tree, it grows slowly to 40 feet high by 30 feet wide, and it can also be grown as a street tree due to its tough yet beautiful nature. Plant it in its preferred acidic soil in sun or partial shade with enough room around it to show off its shape. An underplanting of white cyclamen (cyclamen coum ‘Album’) adds a final touch.

Pleasant Hill Nursery is pleased to offer:

Parrotia persica in #15's & #25's: Call for Prices & to Check Availability