<em>Edgeworthia chrysantha</em>, paperbush: planting and care

Description and botany

Edgeworthia or “paper bush” is a small bush native to China and the Himalayas, belonging to the family Thymelaeaceae, like its relative Daphne. The genus Edgeworthia contains only three species growing wild in woods or on scrubby upland slopes.

Edgeworthia chrysantha, or “gold-flowered edgeworthia”, is the only species commonly cultivated in gardens. Adorned with white and golden flowers in the type form, it has produced several interesting cultivars such as ‘Red Dragon Akebono’ and ‘Akabana’ with orange-red flowers, and the recent ‘Nanjing Gold’. Edgeworthia chrysantha var. grandiflora is a fine variety with flowers even larger than those of the typical species.

Rather slow-growing, Edgeworthia is a low, unobtrusive bush that spreads gradually to reach on average 1 to 2 m in height and width at maturity. It has a handsome, spreading bushy habit as wide as it is high and very ramified from the base. Its very short trunk typically divides into three secondary branches. Over time the trunk becomes hidden by numerous peripheral twigs, eventually forming a compact bush. This broad branching bears thick, vigorous but supple branches with a handsome reddish-brown bark.

Edgeworthia is prized for its fabulous winter flowering that dots the tips of bare twigs much like Hamamelis or Forsythia. From mid-January, sometimes earlier or in March depending on region, flower buds encased in delicate silvery bracts appear.

Then, for about a month before the leaves, downy tubular flowers with four spreading lobes open at the tips of the bare twigs in semi-pendent globular umbels 4–5 cm across, each carrying some 30 to 50 flowers. Their calyx is abundantly covered with white, silky hairs on the outside and contains short yellow stamens.

Edgeworthia chrysantha, Edgeworthia chrysantha ‘Red Dragon’

Golden, white or orange-red, these silky, fragrant half-poms open from the centre outwards and fade towards the edge to white, so the inflorescence is often bicoloured. Although fairly small (5 mm), their profusion and heady, spicy floral perfume — evoking jasmine, clove and honeysuckle and perceptible up to 5 m away — brighten the winter. In summer inedible fruits, small drupes each containing a stone, develop on the twigs after flowering. Flowering twigs, still bare but in bloom, are much prized in Ikebana floral art.

The deciduous foliage is another asset of Edgeworthia; luxuriant with an almost exotic appearance, it follows flowering and, although it can persist through summer, tends to drop in very hot conditions. It will fall in autumn. Large alternate, entire, ovate to lanceolate leaves appear after flowering at the tops of the stems. Measuring up to 15–20 cm long, they are borne on short, tough petioles, glossy above and slightly velvety beneath. Ranging from light green to dark or bluish-green, they show well-marked, paler parallel veins.

More demanding than Sarcococca but far less so than Rhododendron, the “paper bush” is not very difficult to cultivate… provided its needs are met. With fairly low hardiness, around -10 to -15°C in sheltered situations, it is easier to grow in regions with relatively mild winters, planted where it is protected from spring frosts and dry, icy winds.

Edgeworthia chrysantha (photo left Nishimoto-Flickr, photo right Kentama-Flickr)

Elsewhere, it can be grown in a pot and brought into a conservatory at the first frosts, like orangery plants. Its aversion to heat must also be respected, so avoid Mediterranean climates that are too hot and dry in summer. It can only be grown reliably in the open ground in mild, humid climates such as the Atlantic coast.

It dislikes scorching sun and prefers partial shade. It is satisfied by all types of non-calcareous, light, acidic, fresh and well-drained soils. This shrub, typical of heather soil, will find its place naturally in the garden alongside Daphne, Camellia, Pieris and Kalmia.

Useful in mixed borders, as a specimen or in a pot. Its distinctive silhouette needs its own space and is best planted as a specimen in a well-open spot visible from the house. It will make an attractive focal point in a border. Its slow growth makes it suitable for container culture.

Also called “Mitsumata”, Edgeworthia chrysantha has been naturalised in Asia where it is intensively cultivated to produce a luxury paper from its stems, the Japanese washi. This very strong paper is used for calligraphy, watercolours and banknotes.

Main species and varieties

Edgeworthia chrysantha (syn. E. papyrifera) is the only species cultivated in our gardens. If the type species bears golden flowers, it has given rise to some cultivars with vivid colours. Edgeworthia grandiflora is another variety offering flowers even larger than those of the type species.

Most popular

Our favourite varieties

Edgeworthia chrysantha Red Dragon Akebono - Paperbush

An interesting cultivar with orange to red flowers gathered at the end of bare silvery branches. It withstands temperatures of -10 to -12°C but is easier to grow in open ground under mild climates.

• Flowering time March to May
• Height at maturity 1,20 m

See the product sheet

Edgeworthia chrysantha Grandiflora - Paperbush

A variety larger than the type in terms of foliage and flowers. A collection bush to place near a walkway or entrance to enjoy its scent.

• Flowering time March to May
• Height at maturity 1,50 m

See the product sheet

Planting

Where to plant paperbush or Edgeworthia chrysantha

Although it can withstand temperatures around -10 °C, Edgeworthia will be easier to grow in mild climates such as Brittany. As it dislikes excessive heat as much as strong sun, avoid planting in Mediterranean climate that is too hot and dry in summer.

It is best placed in light shade against a south- or west-facing wall for example, sheltered from cold winds that could dry it out and damage earliest flowers particularly sensitive to late frosts.

It will therefore grow in a spot sunny in the morning but sheltered from direct sun in afternoon: it should still receive maximum light in winter to flower abundantly.

North of the Loire, opt for container growing, to be moved in at first frosts, in a conservatory in the manner of orange trees.

Admittedly it has some requirements, but it is not difficult to grow in light, rather acidic heather soil that is well drained. It will thrive in humus-bearing, deep soil, neither too dry nor too wet. Like rhododendrons and Daphnes, it does not tolerate lime in soil. Paperbush takes time to establish and will tolerate transplanting very poorly: choose a permanent site.

Slow-growing, paperbush is an unobtrusive bush, well suited to small gardens or town gardens.

Its harmonious, slightly exotic silhouette should not be hidden: ideally plant isolated at centre of a bed against a background of evergreen foliage or in a well-cleared spot visible from home, especially as it perfumes an area of about 5 m! You can also plant in groups of 3 or 5 under large deciduous trees or as a low hedge.

In a pot, in regions with harsh winters, you can also enjoy its magnificent colours and fragrance on a terrace or near entrances.

When to plant paperbush or Edgeworthia

Planting of Edgeworthia is preferably after flowering, from September to October, or in spring in April–May.

How to plant paperbush or Edgeworthia

In ground

• Soak rootball
• Dig a wide hole about 30 cm deep and at least 80 cm wide
• Add heather soil or turf to garden soil if it is chalky
• If necessary, add gravel to bottom of hole to ensure good drainage
• Plant bush with collar level with soil
• Water copiously then regularly for first two years to ensure establishment
• Mulch with dry leaves or plant small perennials to protect base and reduce watering: it likes roots kept cool during summer

In a pot

Edgeworthia chrysantha is magnificent in a pot. Choose a large container from the start, as it is sensitive and does not appreciate repotting. Use a rich, fresh, very free-draining compost mix.

• Plant on a draining layer (sand, clay balls) in a mix of loam, compost or heather soil
• Water once or twice a week, allowing surface to dry between waterings

Paperbush (photo nekonomania)

Maintenance, pruning and care

Once well established, the Paper bush requires little care.

Water regularly once to twice a week, especially during first two years and in periods of prolonged drought.

Mulch with a good organic covering (dry leaves, hemp…) to keep roots cool during summer heat.

In spring or autumn, apply compost by shallow fork-over around its base.

In a pot, water once to twice a week and apply a liquid feed every month between March and August. Water sparingly in winter.

When and how to prune an edgeworthia

Pruning is not necessary for this slow growth bush, which naturally has an attractive habit. Only prune after flowering from August to December to remove any dead or poorly placed shoots, and to slightly reduce its spread. If you need to transplant it: cut back to encourage regrowth.

Edgworthia chrysantha has no natural enemies. It is largely unaffected by most diseases and by insect or parasitic attacks. If foliage yellows, add heather soil as this indicates soil is probably too calcareous for this acidophilous bush.

Propagating Edgworthia

As the Paperbush fruits, you can try sowing but it is a long and delicate operation to succeed that we do not recommend. Opt instead for separation of suckers or propagation by cuttings.

Division

• In autumn or winter, lift suckers at base that have roots
• Cut back by about one third
• Replant immediately into a bucket filled with potting compost
• Place somewhere frost-free and cool
• Plant out in garden in spring

When and how to take cuttings of Paperbush

• After flowering, in August–September, take semi-woody or semi-ripe shoots 15–20 cm long (i.e. stems transitioning from soft wood to hard wood)
• Remove leaves from lower part of shoots, leaving only two leaves
• Plant them in a humus-bearing, light and well-draining substrate and cover with plastic
• Keep moist regularly
• Pot them into buckets as soon as they have formed roots
• Overwinter frost-free in a bright, cool place
• Plant out in ground the following spring

Associate

Still too little known, Edgeworthia or paperbush deserves recognition in winter scenes alongside witch hazel. With its very graphic silhouette and fragrant, colourful flowering, it brings an exotic touch to a garden still bare and numbed by cold.

Dress its base with a carpet of winter heathers, Heuchera and Hellebores or early bulbs such as winter aconites, daffodils, crocuses, lungworts, erythroniums, primroses or tulips to accompany it in spring.

A planting idea: Galanthus nivalis, Helleborus orientalis, Eranthis cilicica, Crocus angustifolius, Heuchera ‘Green Spice’, Edgeworthia chrysantha

Its golden, white or orange flowers will contrast beautifully with the blue of muscari, hyacinths, ipheions, scillas…

Its delicate flowers are best set off by a permanent green backdrop composed of conifers, bushes with evergreen foliage or grasses such as pennisetum.

Magnificent in early spring, after flowering this bush will take on a rather ordinary appearance; its summer foliage limits light at its base, so choose some shade-loving perennials, such as ferns, omphalodes, Japanese anemones, Bleeding Heart or foxgloves, to surround it.

In a small flowering hedge, it can be combined with winter-flowering bushes such as witch hazel, which will precede it, or spring-flowering ones like Forsythia, which will take over the succession of blooms.

An example of a spring-hedge combination: Hamamelis ‘Jelena’, Edgeworthia chrysantha ‘Red Dragon’ and Forsythia intermedia

Edgeworthia prefers acidic soils, so it can be easily paired with ericaceous plants with evergreen foliage and winter flowering such as camellias, pieris, kalmia, skimmia, Sarcococca, rhododendrons and azaleas from Japan or other Daphnes.

For a colourful winter garden, place it near one or several ornamental fruit bushes such as ornamental crab apple and a few dogwoods with coloured stems.

In a large pot, it can be paired with a holly or a spindle and with some small spring-flowering bulbs.

→ Discover more ideas for pairing Edgeworthia chrysantha in our advice sheet