Parrotia persica Burgundy - Persian ironwood

Parrotia persica 'Burgundy' is a variety of Persian Ironwood that stands out from the species due to its young spring foliage with a purple-violet colour and its uniform burgundy autumn colouring. This deciduous small tree also has a curious flowering with dark red stamen clusters that appear directly on the bare branches in early spring. In winter, its bark can be observed peeling off in plates, similar to plane trees.

The Persian Ironwood, in Latin Parrotia persica, belongs to the family Hamamelidaceae. It is native to northern Iran and eastern Caucasus.

Parrotia persica 'Burgundy' reaches approximately 8m in height and 3m in spread at the age of 10-12 years, depending on growing conditions. It has a stout trunk, sometimes even multiple small trunks, with grey bark that peels off in a beautiful camouflage pattern over time. The flowers appear before the leaves, directly on the branches. They consist of reddish-purple stamen surrounded by brown bracts. This 'Burgundy' variety develops young shoots with a purple-violet colour in spring. The shiny leaves develop a purple margin on a green background. Then the leaves turn burgundy before falling. The leaves, with wavy edges and more or less diamond-shaped, are thick, strongly veined, and resemble those of beech trees. In winter, the bark of this small tree peels off in plates and reveals subtle shades of gray, reddish-brown, and greenish-grey. The colours will be more pronounced in acidic soil, although this tree tolerates limestone.

Parrotia persica 'Burgundy' can be planted individually in a medium-sized garden, in a grove, a large hedge, or in alignment in a park. For example, associate it with Witch Hazels and Nyssas in acidic soil. In neutral or slightly alkaline, well-drained soil, pair it with the Smoke Bush 'Grace', the Dwarf Winged Spindle Tree (Euonymus alatus 'Fireball'), and tall autumn asters to create a vibrant grove from September to November. It should be noted that the Persian Ironwood's drought resistance and hardiness allow it to be cultivated in many situations.

Parrotia persica was introduced to Europe in 1841. Its common name, Ironwood, is inspired by its exceptionally hard and difficult-to-work wood. It has been used as the basis for tools that are sometimes over 2000 years old.