Persian Parottia

Parrotia persica

$23.00 Sold out

1 Gallon | Hardiness Zones 4-8

There is a moment in late winter, before anything else in the garden has stirred, when Parrotia persica opens its flowers. They have no petals — just a tight cluster of crimson stamens emerging from scaled buds along bare grey branches, small and startling against the cold. Most people walk past them. The ones who stop tend to become collectors.

Native to the forests along the southern shores of the Caspian Sea, Parrotia has been part of the horticultural conversation long enough that serious gardeners know it well — and somehow it still hasn't found its way into nearly enough gardens. That seems like a problem worth solving.

The bark is the thing that stops people cold. On mature specimens, it exfoliates in irregular plates the way a sycamore or stewartia does, revealing an understory of cream, grey, olive, and warm tan — a patchwork that becomes more complex and more beautiful every year. The canopy is broadly spreading, often wider than tall, with a layered architecture that reads as sculpture in winter once the leaves have dropped.

And then the leaves drop in a manner worth discussing. Few trees offer fall color of this intensity across such a range — burgundy deepening to scarlet, orange bleeding into gold, sometimes all of it on the same branch at the same time. In a good autumn it is, without exaggeration, one of the finest things growing in the temperate garden.

Parrotia persica is hardy, adaptable to a range of soils, and largely indifferent to urban conditions — qualities that, combined with everything else it does, make it genuinely difficult to explain why it isn't planted far more widely. We don't have an answer. We do have the tree.

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Plant Specs
  • Zones: 4 - 8
  • Sun: Full Sun and Part Shade
  • Soil: Well-drained, Clay, Loam, and Sandy
  • Height at Maturity: 20 - 40 Feet
  • Spread at Maturity: 15 - 30 Feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate

Deciduous
Flower/Foliage

Flowers
Flowers appear in late winter to early spring, well before the leaves emerge. Each flower is petalless — a dense cluster of deep crimson stamens with dark anthers, emerging from tightly scaled buds directly on the bare branches. Small in size but striking in effect, particularly against winter bark. Wind-pollinated; not fragrant.

Foliage
Leaves are broadly oval to obovate, 3 to 5 inches long, with a wavy or slightly irregular margin. Emerging foliage is often tinged with burgundy before settling into a rich, lustrous dark green through summer. Fall color is exceptional and variable — turning orange, scarlet, and deep burgundy, often simultaneously on the same specimen. Leaves persist late into autumn.

Bark
One of the tree's primary ornamental features year-round. Bark exfoliates on mature specimens to reveal irregular, interlocking patches of cream, grey, green, and warm tan — reminiscent of a stewartia or sycamore, and increasingly striking with age.
Care Info

Read full care instruction manual here.

Sun
Full sun to part shade. Best fall color and most compact form in full sun; tolerates part shade without significant loss of ornamental quality.

Soil
Adaptable and unfussy. Performs well in clay, loam, and sandy soils. Prefers good drainage but tolerates brief periods of moisture. Tolerates both acidic and slightly alkaline pH. Established trees handle drought well.

Watering
Water regularly during the first two growing seasons to establish a deep root system. Once established, largely drought tolerant. Avoid waterlogged conditions.

Fertilizing
Little to no fertilization required in average garden soils. If growth is notably slow, a light application of balanced fertilizer in early spring is sufficient.

Pruning
Minimal pruning required. Remove any crossing or damaged branches in late winter. The natural layered habit is part of the tree's character — resist the urge to heavily shape it.

Pests & Problems
Notably pest and disease resistant. One of the more problem-free ornamental trees available. No significant insect or disease issues reported in cultivation.

Siting
Allow room for the spread — mature trees are often wider than they are tall. Best appreciated as a specimen where the bark, habit, and fall color can be seen from multiple angles. Works well at woodland edges, as a lawn specimen, or anchoring a mixed border.

Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants:

From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

The majority of our plants are carefully cultivated from rooted cuttings, while we also utilize propagation methods such as seed, air layering, and grafting, thoughtfully chosen to suit each plant’s unique needs.

Our plants are cultivated using sustainable practices, including organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management, ensuring they thrive while minimizing environmental impact.

We are proud to contribute to local biodiversity through ongoing donations to the Aiken Arboretum and support for local wildlife conservation efforts, helping to preserve and enhance our community’s natural ecosystems.

Grown in Aiken, South Carolina

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders here.

Plant Success Tip #1

Unpack Promptly

Carefully unpack your plant as soon as it arrives. Check the roots and soil to ensure they are still moist. If the roots feel dry, lightly mist or water them before proceeding with planting or temporary storage.

Plant Success Tip #2

Acclimate Your Plant

Allow your plant to adjust to its new environment by placing it in a sheltered spot for a day or two before planting, especially if it has traveled a long distance. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures right away.

Plant Success Tip #3

Follow Planting and Care Instructions

Plant your new arrival as soon as possible, following the specific care guidelines provided. If planting outdoors isn’t immediately possible, temporarily pot it in well-draining soil to maintain health until conditions are suitable.

Read Care Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?

Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
What payment methods can I use?

We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?

At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.