About Parrotia persica Bella
Parrotia persica ‘Bella’ is a selected cultivar of the Persian ironwood with a more compact and upright growth habit than the botanical species. Whereas the common Parrotia persica grows broadly spreading and horizontally, ‘Bella’ has a more spherical to broadly oval crown that fits better in more confined spaces without compromising the essential characteristics of the species. The trunk and older branches develop the same characteristic patchy ornamental bark in shades of grey, brown and creamy white as the botanical species, but the tree remains more compact and manageable. The leaves are oval and dark green in summer. Autumn colour is intense red, slightly more uniform in tone than the botanical species but no less impressive. Flowering occurs early in the season, in February-March: small red flowers directly on bare branches. After flowering, small brown fruits form. Growth rate is moderate, slightly slower than the botanical species due to its compact habit. Available at Smits as a multi-stemmed specimen from 250/300 cm to 350/400 cm in height.
Application and location
Parrotia persica ‘Bella’ is excellent for gardens, villa grounds and parks where the ornamental value of Persian ironwood is desired but space is more limited. Its compact habit makes it suitable as a solitary ornamental tree in medium-sized gardens and as a group planting in parks and gardens. Sun or semi-shade on loam, clay, sand or lime. Well-drained soil. Excellent winter hardiness. Red autumn colour and early flowering are also seasonal highlights for ‘Bella’. Urban locations are possible.
Do you already know exactly what you need?
Every garden and every greenery project is different. Therefore, at Smits Arboriculture we do not make standard quotations, but we like to look together at what suits your wishes, planning and the character of the project.
