Comments on: Parrotia persica (Persian Ironwood)

By: Mary Tipping

Mary Tipping — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 12:55:31 +0000

In reply to John D. .Bossler. Hello John, I am delighted to learn that you have an interest in Parrotia persica. There Persian Spire™ has a columnar form that you might find suitable for your landscape needs. One of the online sources of this variety is: . I highly recommend that you obtain a a soil fertility test kit from your local Cooperative Extension office and submit it prior to installing the tree so that they can direct you on soil pH adjustments (if necessary). All the best, Mary Tipping, Curator, Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College

By: John D. .Bossler

John D. .Bossler — Sun, 13 Mar 2022 15:38:15 +0000

I have a limited space for this tree (Parrotia persica), about 10 feet in width. Can you recommend a particular cultivar?
I will be happy to donate to the Arboretum. I am in mid-Ohio, zone 5, soil is 7.2, rich but lacking N.

By: John D. .Bossler

John D. .Bossler — Sun, 13 Mar 2022 15:36:36 +0000

By: Becky Robert

Becky Robert — Tue, 30 Jul 2019 14:16:54 +0000

In reply to konya iç mimar.

Dear Konya.
I am glad you found the information useful.

Sincerely,
Becky Robert
Scott Arboretum

By: konya iç mimar

konya iç mimar — Fri, 30 Jun 2017 09:37:12 +0000

During the past months we have compared with many plants in the resorts and landscapes of nature trails. Among them there were those who had such a fabulous and wonderful creation. Some people are doing more research now to have more detailed information. Thanks for your unique information.

By: Jerome Wolfe

Jerome Wolfe — Sun, 25 Dec 2016 23:21:19 +0000

In Bellingham, Washington State I have planted on my property three Parrotia persica. We have strong winds for our area. I have noticed that –notwithstanding advice on why not to top trees– heading cuts appear to callus over well, albeit with some watersprout behavior on the main stems (approximately 30% removal of canopy). I also noticed that these specimens appear to be rather aggressively plastic during the new growing season with regard to their ability of reforming extended lateral branches from the junction of said heading cuts. Otherwise, I think these Parrotias look quite healthy, like their full sun, and respond well to moist, well-drained soils.

By: Mary Tipping

Mary Tipping — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 12:59:03 +0000

In reply to Alan. Alan, That is a great idea. Remove any crossing, rubbing or dysfunctional branches. Let's hope that we will be spared from another wicked winter!!

By: Alan

Alan — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 07:25:39 +0000

Hi Mary,
I cut it back since it was mostly dead and only alive at the base near the ground (the Ironwood planted with the worst condition). The freezing below zero temperatures severely hurt the plant since it hadn’t dropped it’s leaves yet (last November). It has grown about a foot from the ground this year. Though, it has a lot of side shoots, which I’ll have to thin out.

By: Mary Tipping

Mary Tipping — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 12:37:37 +0000

In reply to Alan Skowron. Did you cut it to the grounds intentionally? Persian Ironwood has wonderful exfoliating bark that develops with age so this plant is not typically treated as a "cut-back plant".

By: Alan Skowron

Alan Skowron — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 06:07:23 +0000

The Persian Ironwood that I cut most of the way to the ground is growing back. I think it will be alright. I’m going to cover it up this winter. Too bad, I can’t say the same for my Paperbark Maple.