About this plant
Paperbush Edgeworthia
Paperbushes (Edgeworthia) are deciduous shrubs from China and the Himalaya, related to daphne. They flower on bare wood in late winter with rounded clusters of fragrant, tubular flowers. In East Asia the inner bark has long been used to make fine paper, which explains the common name.
Oriental Paperbush Edgeworthia chrysantha
Edgeworthia chrysantha is the only species commonly grown in gardens. It forms a rounded shrub of about 1.5 m with a vase-like branch structure. Silvery buds open in February and March into silky pompoms of white and golden-yellow flowers with a clove-like scent, followed by fresh green leaves that drop in autumn.
Location and soil
Grow in sun or partial shade in a sheltered place, in a cool, rich, well-drained soil that is neutral to acid. It dislikes hot, dry summers and waterlogging alike. Frost hardiness is limited, roughly to moderate frost, so it does best in the mildest, most sheltered spots in Belgium.
Pruning and care
No pruning is needed; the shrub keeps its attractive shape on its own. Once settled in the right conditions it needs little attention: water in dry periods, mulch the base and cover young plants during severe frost. In containers, bring it under glass at the first frosts.
Use in the garden
A collector's shrub for winter interest, best placed near a door, path or terrace where its fragrance carries several metres. It suits sheltered shrub borders, woodland gardens and large containers, and pairs well with other winter-flowering shrubs such as witch hazel.
Plant characteristics
Flowering
| Flowering period | february, March |
| Colour (flower) | yellow |
Foliage
| Evergreen | no |
| Colour (foliage) | green |
Growth habit
| Height | 100 cm, 150 cm |
Location
| Location | sun, half shade |
Related products
Edgeworthia chrysantha 'Grandiflora'
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