November Plants of the Month: Parrotia persica – Persian Parrotia
Native to northern Iran, Parrotia persica (the name commemorates German naturalist F. W. Parrot) is a welcome addition to any garden here in the northeastern United States.
This multi-stem shrub or small tree is cultivated primarily for its highly ornamental characteristics: crisp, clear summer green foliage, stunning fall foliage – colors ranging from yellow, orange and red – and its patterned exfoliating multi-colored bark best revealed after leaf drop in late autumn.
Although it is the sole species in the genus Parrotia,
it is a member of the Hamamelidaceae family, and closely related to the genus Hamamelis (witch hazels); its flowers are similar to those of witch hazel – small and maroon – produced on bare stems in late winter.
It is a trouble free (pest and disease resistant) plant best grown in moist, well drained soils.
Extremely variable in size, it can range from 20 to 40 feet tall, 15 to 30’ wide.
Consider using it in the landscape as a specimen planting or as a backdrop planting/screen in the informal border.
Hardy zones 4-8
Eragrostis spectabilis – Purple Love Grass
Eragrostis spectabilis, Purple love grass, is a small, well-behaved ornamental grass in the Poaceae family. This warm-season grass is native to central and eastern North America and is found naturally in sandy fields, along roadsides, and in woodlands. The height ranges from one to two feet with a similar width. It spreads slowly by rhizomes.
Plant it in open areas in well-drained slightly dry soil in full sun. It is tolerant of hot dry conditions. Its airy pink seed heads float gracefully above the dense clumping foliage.
This versatile plant can be sited in small groups or in drifts and as a mass in a border, meadow, or native plant garden. Though it can be mowed a few times a year if it is being used as a lawn alternative, the real show appears in mid fall when its unmown foliage appears as reddish-purple clouds, a real showstopper. Its Inflorescence is excellent for dried flower arrangements. In late fall it fades to soft brown, then goes dormant in winter.
