Parrotia persica 'Persian Spire' has a narrow, upright, compact profile, and as it doesn't get too big, it's perfect for smaller gardens or large patio pots where it will offer interest throughout the year.

The foliage is particularly attractive, and emerges rich purple in spring, before changing to a rich dark green with a purple fringe in summer. As the temperatures start to dip in autumn the leaves transform again, this time turning a blaze of yellow, orange and red before dropping to reveal the grey and fawn bark.

Look closely in late winter and early spring and you may spot tiny spidery red flowers, which appear before the leaves and the cycle begins all over again.