paperbush
Edgeworthia chrysantha
Overview
Paperbush (Edgeworthia chrysantha) is an amazing shrub flowering plant which can reach three to five feet in height. It is native to parts of Southeast Asia, including Nepal and China. The roundish leaves are evergreen and about three inches long, dark green in the summer and dark purple in the winter. It blooms yellowish flowers in mid winter to early spring, adding extra color and interest to the winter landscape. The flowers gradually turn into silky papery buds, and this is why it's called Paperbush. It also makes a great border plant since it can tolerate mild pruning. Its sweet scent and flower also make it appealing to butterflies and other pollinators.
Care Guide
Watering
Paperbush does best in moist soil with regular waterings. As a general guideline, water paperbush whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. During the growing season, from spring until fall, it is important to water it deeply each week if there has been no rain. During the winter, when the plant is dormant, water only when the soil becomes very dry. Paperbush does not like to sit in overly wet soil, so make sure the drainage holes in the pot are clear and open.
Light
Paperbush prefers full sun in the morning and afternoon, but should be protected from the harshest midday sun. It will also benefit from some shade during the hottest part of the day to help prevent scorching of the foliage. Morning sunlight is especially important for best flowering. Ideally, paperbush should get at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sun per day.
Temperature
Hardiness zone 7-10.
Pruning
The best time to prune a paperbush is in the late winter or early spring, when the plant is dormant. Pruning should only be necessary if the plant is overgrown or needs to be shaped or altered in some way. When pruning, it is important to take care to not remove more than ⅓ of the total plant material. This will help the plant to maintain its shape and healthy growth. Lightly pruning the tips of stems in late summer or early fall can also be beneficial; this will help to prevent the plant from becoming leggy or overgrown. Additionally, pruning any dead or diseased stems and branches will help to keep the plant healthy.
Propagation
Seed Propagation, Cutting, Layering Propagation, Division
Related plants
Other plants you might like if you grow paperbush.
