The flowering of Parrotia persica

Have you ever noticed the winter flowering of the Parrotia persica (also known as "ironwood")? It began a month ago, just after that of its cousins the witch hazels… Along the branches, you can find its petal-less flowers: they rely entirely on a bouquet of bright red stamens, making them resemble tiny pom-poms trying to escape from the cloak formed by the dark, velvety bracts. Just like the garden that "slows down" during this winter period, one must stop to take the time to admire this discreet yet charming flowering! It’s also a good time to notice its decorative bark, which peels off in plates like that of plane trees, and to note that you’ll need to return at the end of October to admire its brilliant autumn colours in red and gold…