Parrotia persica ‘Vanessa’

Description

‘Vanessa’ has a more upright, columnar habit than the species. This durable tree is beautiful in every season. Its leaves are oval shaped with somewhat scalloped edges, emerging green edged with burgundy, maturing to midgreen in summer. In late August into October, they put on a sensational display, turning bronze, then crimson, followed by orange and finishing brilliant gold.

Its eye-catching branching habit is irregular! In winter, its exfoliating grey-and-tan bark is revealed and in late winter tiny, spidery, red flowers are produced before the leaves.

Best in full sun to dappled shade in well-drained soil, but it is tolerant of moist sites, sand and clay. Once established it is drought tolerant. Little pruning is needed .