Parrotia persica 'Vanessa'

Vanessa Persian Ironwood

Parrotia persica ‘Vanessa’
Vanessa Persian Ironwood / Vanessa Persian Parrotia

‘Vanessa’ is a deciduous ornamental tree selected for a narrower, more upright habit than the typical Persian ironwood. New spring leaves often emerge reddish to bronze-edged, mature to glossy green in summer, then turn excellent shades of yellow, orange, red, and burgundy in fall. Small red, petal-less flowers appear in late winter to early spring before the leaves, and older trees develop attractive exfoliating bark in patches of gray, green, tan, and cream.

Type: Deciduous ornamental tree
Mature Size: 12–15 ft. wide × 25–30 ft. tall; some sources list about 15 ft. wide × 30 ft. tall, with broader ranges possible by site and age.
USDA Zones: 5a–8b
Form: Upright, vase-shaped to narrow-columnar tree
Light: Full sun to part shade; best fall color usually develops in full sun
Soil / Water: Moist, well-drained soil; adaptable to loam, clay, and a range of soil types once established
Bloom Time / Length: Late winter to early spring; flowers are small, red-stamened, and best appreciated up close before foliage emerges.
Wildlife: Early flowers may be visited by bees; branching can provide light cover for birds

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent as a specimen tree, street tree, courtyard tree, entry planting, small shade tree, or narrow-space ornamental where a full-size spreading Persian ironwood may be too wide. ‘Vanessa’ is especially valued for its upright shape, reliable fall color, clean foliage, and mature bark interest, giving it strong multi-season value. It is also useful in residential landscapes and parks because Persian ironwood is generally considered an adaptable, underused ornamental tree.

Care:
Plant in full sun to part shade with good drainage. Water regularly during establishment, then maintain average moisture during prolonged drought. Prune lightly in late winter to remove dead, damaged, crossing, or poorly placed branches. Avoid heavy pruning, because the natural upright vase form is one of its best traits. Full sun and adequate spacing will help produce the best structure and fall color.

Plant type

Deciduous Tree

Height

25-30'

Width

12-15'

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Very Slow

Bloom time

Early Spring, Late Winter

Flower color

Red

Leaf color

Dark Green

Attracts

Bees

Soil

Highly Adaptable, Moist well-drained, Slightly Acidic

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Corner Accent, Foundation

Shape

Upright, Vase Shaped

Bark

Exfoliating

Drought tolerant

No