Parrotia persica 'Cherry Tip'

Common name: Cherry Tip Persian Ironwood

Description: This exceptional cultivar of Persian ironwood offers spectacular autumn colour display that rivals any tree in the garden. The oval-shaped leaves emerge with attractive reddish-bronze tints in spring before maturing to glossy dark green through summer. In autumn, the foliage transforms into a breathtaking display of brilliant cherry-red and orange hues that give this cultivar its distinctive name. The small tree develops a graceful, spreading canopy with multiple trunks and attractive exfoliating bark that reveals patches of grey, brown, and cream. In late winter, small clusters of red-anthered flowers appear on bare branches before leaf emergence, adding early seasonal interest.

Other benefits: outstanding autumn colour, attractive bark interest, compact size suitable for smaller gardens, drought tolerant once established, low maintenance

Wildlife attraction: early nectar source for bees and beneficial insects, provides shelter and nesting sites for small birds

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 3-4m x 3-4m

Position: full sun to partial shade; best autumn colour in full sun; shelter from strong winds

Soil pH: adaptable to various soils; performs well in neutral to slightly acidic conditions

Moisture: moderate water requirements; drought tolerant once established; prefers well-drained, fertile soil

Winter hardiness: fully hardy to -20°C