Parrotia persica 'Bella' Tree

Introduced in 2004, Parrotia persica 'Bella' has outstanding colour-changing foliage from spring through autumn. When the oval leaves first emerge they are dark purple, before maturing to a glossy green. In autumn they display stunning vibrant reds, purples and yellows.

Before the foliage emerges, clusters of small Witch Hazel-like flowers make an appearance on the bare branches. On mature trees, the bark peels and flakes off attractively for additional interest.

Parrotia persica 'Bella' will grow into a spreading tree reaching 6 x 4 metres in 20 years. It is tolerant of a range of conditions, from drought to wind exposure. Acidic or alkaline soil is suitable, with acidic giving the the best autumn colour for this wonderful Persian Ironwood tree.

AKA Persian Ironwood tree

• Common name: Persian Ironwood tree
• Height and spread in 20 years: 6 x 4 metres
• Seasons of interest: Spring, Autumn, Winter
• Foliage: Deeply veined, green leaves turn orange, red and purple in autumn
• Position: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Suited to most soil types and moist but well-drained sites

Planting Advice For Parrotia persica 'Bella'

Our 'Bella' Persian Ironwood trees are pot grown and can be planted at any time of year. Whilst hardy, choosing a sheltered position will protect the spring flowers from frost. Remove all weeds and grass within a metre of the chosen planting hole.

Dig a square hole as deep as the root mass and approximately 2x as wide. To help the tree establish effectively, we advise applying Mycorrhizal fungi into the hole. Remove the pot, gently loosen the roots and place into the planting hole. If your soil is poor, mix 50% of the original soil with 50% compost, fill in the hole. Firm around it gently, avoiding banking soil up around the collar of the tree .

We recommend planting Persian Ironwood with a stake and tie (unless it's a multi stem). The tree planting guide has more detailed information, as well as videos.

Aftercare Advice For Parrotia persica 'Bella'

If you’re planting Persian Ironwood in spring or summer, water well and regularly for the first few months. Increase watering if there are extended periods of hot or dry weather. If planting in autumn, you may only need to water a little.

Once planted, keep the area free of competing weeds and grass for the first couple of growing seasons and if your area is prone to rabbits, use a rabbit guard. Our complete planting kits contain an irrigation system, weed suppressing mulch mat and rabbit guard, as well as the rootgrow and staking kits mentioned above.

Pruning Advice For Parrotia persica 'Bella'

Persian Ironwood trees do not require regular pruning. If you wish to tidy it up, do this during the dormant season. Focus on removing any damaged, diseased or overcrowded branches. If you require a clear trunk, remove any side shoots to help raise the crown.

Delivery Costs

*Free delivery promotion excludes mature trees, extra large kits and delivery to Highlands or Islands. Discount applies at checkout.

Delivery Times

Next Day Despatch
We will always try to get your plants to you as quickly as possible.  For many of our trees and plants, if you order today we will despatch your order within 24 hours.  We are constantly adding to our range of next day plants, and we do not add a surcharge for this service. Click here to see our next day delivery plants.

Standard Delivery
We have one of the widest range of trees in the UK, and for those plants which we cannot despatch next day we will normally despatch within 4 weeks. The despatch time for different products will be confirmed when products are added to your shopping basket

Pre-orders
We will only want to deliver your orders when they are perfect for planting! Depending on the season and how well the plants are growing, we will give our best estimates of the despatch dates for pre-orders.  These dates may vary and by species and while we will always try to deliver within these timeframes if the expected despatch does change then we will notify you by email.

Special Orders
Orders containing pleached or mature trees (trees over 2.5m in height) are delivered within 3 weeks. They require specialist delivery and are grouped geographically. Any customers ordering pleached or mature trees will be contacted and notified of their delivery date.

If your trees are required by a specific date, please let us know as soon as possible; while we can’t offer any guarantees we will always do our best to accommodate you. You can leave instructions in the notes field on the Delivery Page of the Checkout or send us an email at [email protected].

Please note that orders are shipped once all the trees in the order are ready.

Collections
Collections are by appointment only at our West Yorkshire-based nursery. If you would like to place an order for collection, please get in touch before placing your order. You will not be charged a delivery cost for a collection and any delivery cost that has been applied will be refunded.

The product table at the bottom of the page gives the forms and sizes available for this variety. Please note, photos are a guideline as all plants are unique. *Pot sizes may vary. Below are definitions of terms:

Supplied Size: Height measured from the top of the pot.

Single Stem tree: Classic tree with one trunk, pruned for a beautiful, natural shape.

Top grafted tree: A height next to this form refers to the length of clear stem, which will not grow taller. Only the head of branches will develop. Ideal for small spaces.

Feathered tree: Branches from the bottom of the trunk all the way up. These branches can be removed if a clear stem is required.

Multi Stem tree: Two or more stems arising from or near ground level, growing from one root system.

Bush: A plant with many stems low down, rather than one clear stem.

Clump: Several plants in one pot that give the appearance of a bushy multi stem tree.

Climber: Naturally climbing plant. Usually delivered running up a cane, ready to position in the garden.

Standard Tree: A more mature tree with an upright clear stem of approximately 1.8m-2.0m (measured from the soil to the lowest branches of the crown). Standards are available in different forms relating to their girth size (circumference of the stem measured 1m above soil level), not height.