How to Grow Persian Parrotia

ByStephen Albert

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Persian Parrotia, Parrotia, is a small to medium-size deciduous tree native to Persia. It belongs to the Witch Hazel Family. Parrotia is sometimes grown as a large shrub.

The flower of Parroti are without petals but have conspicuous purple stamens and appear before the leaves. Leaves take on a brilliant coloring in fall.

Parrotia is propagated by seed and layers.

Parrotia persica tree form

Get to know Persian Parrotia

  • Plant type: Deciduous tree
  • Growing Zones and range: 5-10
  • Hardiness: Hardy
  • Height and spread: To 40 feet (12m) tall and 45 feet (13.5m) wide; round from; often multi-trunked with horizontal branching
  • Foliage: Leaves turn orange, yellow, and scarlet in fall.
  • Flowers: Inconspicuous, petalless flowers with protruding red stamens from late winter to early spring
  • Bloom time:
  • Uses: Specimen tree,
  • Botanical name: Parrotia persica
  • Common name: Persian Parrotia
  • Origin: Persia-Iran

Where to plant Persian Parrotia

  • Grow Persian parrotia in full sun for best leaf color.
  • Persian parrotia is tolerant of a variety of well-drained soil.

When to plant Persian Parrotia

  • Transplant balled-and-burlapped or container-grown Persian parrotia in early spring.
Persian ironwood tree with autumnal leaves Parrotia persica.
Persian ironwood tree with autumnal leaves Parrotia persica.

Planting and spacing Persian Parrotia

  • Space trees 20 to 30 feet apart.

How to water and feed Persian Parrotia

  • Keep the soil evenly moist.
  • Fertilize Parrotia with aged compost spread to the dripline at least once a year.

Persian Parrotia care

  • Mulch around Parrotia to keep grass from growing under the tree.

Persian Parrotia common problems

  • Persian parrotia has no serious pests or diseases.

Persian Parrotia propagation

  • Sow seed in fall.
  • Graft in winter or early spring on witch hazel (Hamamelis spp.)
  • Take cuttings in midsummer.

Persian Parrotia varieties to grow

  • ‘Biltmore’ has excellent fall color.
  • ‘Pendula’ has a weeping habit.
  • ‘Vanessa’ is columnar.

Stephen Albert is a horticulturist, master gardener, and certified nurseryman who has taught at the University of California for more than 25 years. He holds graduate degrees from the University of California and the University of Iowa. His books include Vegetable Garden Grower’s Guide, Vegetable Garden Almanac & Planner, Tomato Grower’s Answer Book, and Kitchen Garden Grower’s Guide. His Vegetable Garden Grower’s Masterclass is available online. Harvesttotable.com has more than 10 million visitors each year.

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