What soil does Persian ironwood grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, acidic, calcareous.

Is Persian ironwood hardy?

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How far from the house should Persian ironwood be planted?

Plant it at least 2 m from buildings. Keep it at least 1.5 m from paving.

When does Persian ironwood flower?

Flowering: February–April, red.

How much water does Persian ironwood need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: high.

How much does Persian ironwood cost?

It sells for roughly €30 to €220 in local shops, depending on size.

Persian ironwood

Parrotia persica

Persian ironwood (Parrotia persica) is a small tree. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: high. Sold in local shops from about €30.

Illustration of Persian ironwood — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A slow-growing, usually multi-stemmed small tree with a wide crown, planted for its foliage: the leaves open flushed with purple, turn glossy green in summer and blaze yellow, orange, red and purple in autumn. In late winter it carries small flowers with red stamens on bare branches, and the patchy, peeling bark of older trunks is attractive in winter too. It has hardly any pests or diseases and, once established, copes well with drought and city air, but water it in the first years. Give it room, since in time it can grow wider than tall, and note that it tolerates chalky soil but colours best on acidic ground.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 4 m × 3 m
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D February–April, red

Group	Small tree
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	4 m × 3 m
Ultimate size	5–12 m × 4–12 m
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Acidic, Calcareous
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	February–April, red
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 2 m
Distance from paving	at least 1.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	600 cm
For dogs	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For children	Non-toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €30

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
50-60 cm	approx. €58
80-100 cm	approx. €55
100-120 cm	approx. €61
100-125 cm	approx. €74
175-200 cm	approx. €86
size not stated	approx. €30 – €220

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Drought-tolerant plants Drought-tolerant plants for sandy soil Small ornamental trees Small trees for beside paths and paving Plants that give shade Plants with autumn colour

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