Parrotia persica (Persian Ironwood)

Native to northern Iran and Caucasus this is a beautiful, hardy wide spreading shrub or small tree with flaking bark. Crimson witch-hazel type flowers on the bare stems, followed by deeply ribbed green leaves turning flaming reds and gold autumn.

A remarkably amenable plant that is happy in any position in sun to partial shade, be it exposed or sheltered on any moist but well drained acid, alkaline or neutral soil. Normally 4 or 5metres after 20 years but can reach 15metres in the wild.

As with all woody plants, plant high, exposing as much of the taper at the base of the trunk as possible. Allowing soil to accumulate round the base of a tree can be fatal. Keep very well watered when first planted.