Persian Ironwood 'Vanessa'

While the species is often a wide-spreading tree, 'Vanessa' is a select cultivar with a much more upright, narrow, and manageable habit, making it far superior for modern UK gardens. The Persian Ironwood is star of the autumn garden; its foliage turns a spectacular kaleidoscope of yellow, orange, and brilliant crimson. In late winter or very early spring, inconspicuous but beautiful crimson-red flowers appear on the bare branches, similar to Hamamelis. As the tree matures, the bark flaking away in patches (similar to a London Plane) provides additional year-round interest. It is fully hardy (H6) and very slow-growing. It thrives in most soils but, like many trees, will show the most intense autumn colours on slightly acidic soil. It is very resistant to pests and diseases and is exceptionally long-lived. This is an ideal specimen tree for providing structure and long-season interest in a medium-sized garden. It prefers full sun but will tolerate light shade.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Any well-drained soil, best colour on acid.

Hardiness: H6 — down to −20°C.

Flowering: Feb, Mar.