Edgeworthia spp.

Paperbush

Attracts Pollinators Deer Resistant Fragrant (strong)Container Friendly

HardinessZones 7–9

Overview

Edgeworthia spp. is a small genus of three or four deciduous shrubs in the family Thymelaeaceae, native to the Himalaya and China and grown chiefly as paperbush. Plants form rounded shrubs 1-2 m (3-7 ft) tall and wide on supple, sparsely branched stems that can be tied in a knot without breaking. The blue-green leaves are simple, lance-shaped, and 8-20 cm (3-8 in) long, clustered toward the branch tips and shed in autumn. In late winter to early spring, before the leaves, the bare tips carry rounded, nodding clusters of 30-50 small tubular flowers, silky-white on the outside and yellow to orange within, releasing a strong sweet scent. E. chrysantha has yellow flowers, while some forms open in shades of orange and red. The fibrous bark of several species is used to make high-quality paper in China, Japan, and Nepal. The genus grows in moist mountain woodland and ravines, and most species are hardy to about USDA zone 7. In gardens it is grown as a winter-flowering shrub in sheltered, part-shaded sites.

Native Range

Native to the Himalaya and central and southern China, growing in moist montane woodland, forest clearings, and shaded ravines. E. chrysantha is widely cultivated in China and Japan well beyond its wild range.

Suggested Uses

Grown as a winter-flowering specimen shrub in sheltered borders, woodland edges, and courtyard gardens. Placed near paths and entrances where the late-winter scent carries, and used in Asian-themed and collector gardens.

How to Identify

Identified by supple, few-branched stems that bend without snapping, blue-green lance-shaped leaves clustered at the tips, and rounded nodding flower clusters opening on bare branches in late winter. Each cluster holds 30-50 silky-white tubular flowers with yellow to orange interiors and a strong sweet scent. The flexible bark and winter bloom separate it from related shrubs.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 7'

Width/Spread3' - 7'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks

Winter Spring

Flowering occurs in late winter to early spring, before the leaves emerge, when rounded clusters of tubular yellow to orange flowers open on the bare branch tips. The blooms are strongly fragrant and last several weeks in cool weather. Bees and early insects visit the flowers on mild days.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

yellow to orange

Foliage Description

blue-green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunPartial Shade

Requires 3-6 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam peat sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

3-5 years to flowering size

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grows in part shade to filtered sun in moist, free-draining soil rich in organic matter and slightly acid to neutral. Steady moisture suits the shallow roots, and plants struggle in dry, hot, or windy sites. The genus is hardy to about USDA zone 7, and flower buds can be damaged by hard late frosts. Growth is moderate, and the shallow-rooted shrubs are slow to recover from transplanting once established. A spring mulch keeps roots cool and moist.

Pruning

Little pruning is needed, since the natural rounded form stays tidy. Any shaping is done right after flowering, before new growth, because flowers form on the previous year wood. Dead or damaged stems are removed at the same time.

Pruning Schedule

early spring