Parrotiopsis jacquemontiana

The Parrotiopsis jacquemontiana is a deciduous bush, closely related to witch hazels, that deserves to be discovered and more frequently planted in our gardens. It is interesting for its early spring flowering, reminiscent of Cornus kousa, for its beautiful open habit, and superb autumn colors. The flowering sometimes begins as early as March, blooming in the form of yellow stamen balls surrounded by beautiful white bracts. Easy to grow in moist soil, preferably acid to neutral, it withstands cold very well. This plant truly brightens up the late season and marks the end of the dreary winter days. Plant it alongside other early flowering shrubs, in full sun or partial shade.

The Parrotiopsis jacquemontiana, sometimes called Jacquemont's parrotie, is native to a vast region ranging from Afghanistan to the northwest Himalayas, where it grows in light undergrowth, at altitudes between 1500 and 2100 m (4921 and 6890ft). This plant belongs to the family Hamamelidaceae, which also includes Loropetalum, Liquidambar, and Persian parrotie, all of which invariably have foliage with fantastic colors. Parrotiopsis jacquemontiana slowly forms a large, vigorous bush, with an upright habit during its youth, gradually spreading over time. It reaches a height of about 6m (20ft) with a spread of 4m (13ft) at maturity. Its deciduous foliage is composed of alternate, pendulous, rounded, dentate leaves, pubescent on the underside, measuring 5 to 8 cm (2 to 3in) in length. They are initially yellowish-green in spring, turn green in summer, and then color themselves in autumn with coppery-orange, yellow, sometimes tinged with crimson and scarlet depending on the soil, filling the garden with warm hues. Its surprising spring flowers are just as delightful as its colorful foliage. They abundantly appear on the branches in March-April, at the same time as the young leaves unfold. Each inflorescence, 5 cm (2in) wide, is composed of numerous apetalous flowers with yellow stamens, gathered in a round head surrounded by 4 to 6 papyraceous bracts, strongly veined, and white in color. The flowering is followed by the formation of a small fruit called a capsule, 6 mm (1in) long, opening at maturity into 4 chambers, each containing only one seed.

Parrotiopsis jacquemontiana likes fresh, humus-rich soils, low in limestone, and not too heavy. It will thrive in full sun or partial shade. Plant it at the edge of woodland, under large deciduous trees with airy foliage or in the back of a border along with Heuchera, Daphne, and Sarcococca. It will also look magnificent in a mixed border, combined with evergreen shrubs such as autumn camellia, Fothergilla gardenii, or Chimonanthus praecox. At its base, you can plant winter heathers or hellebores, for example.