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After my last post, I received several questions and comments about this shrub. First of all, it isn't growing in our garden. It belongs to a friend. I've always wanted one and almost purchased it a few years ago but finally faced the sad reality that there isn't room for it in our garden.
Edgeworthia chrysantha (E. papyrifera), common name Chinese Paper Bush, is native to China where the bark is used to make high grade paper. It is related to daphne and in similar fashion, has exquisite fragrant blooms in late winter before leaves appear. The stems of the shrub are pliable and can be formed into knots.
Growing up to 6 feet tall and wide, white buds emerge in fall on the tips of the branches and fully open to pale to bright yellow in late winter. The flowers hang downward. It is easy to grow in semi-shade in moist soil that is well drained. This is an ideal shrub for a woodland garden. Many references say that this is a zone 8 plant but it obviously grows well here in zone 7. I would recommend a sheltered location.
Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
So pretty! gorgeous flower!
ReplyDeletePhillip,
ReplyDeleteIt grows well here in NC. I have seen it in VA. Already finished blooming here. We don't have room either.
Where in NC, coast, piedmont or mountain? What Ph is your soil?
DeleteThanks
Flowers look lovely and kind of soft! Nice photos, Phillip!
ReplyDeleteI figured it was a southern plant since I had never heard of it. It is pretty. Things like this gives me plant envy.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post on the paper bush, Phillip! Wish we could grow one here!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad I came across this today - I keep meaning to add this to my garden, and each fall keep forgetting. Maybe this year I'll try putting it in now, meaning that I'll need some patience (what? what's that??) before I see it bloom in my own garden. I think it's just gorgeous - thank you for the reminder!
ReplyDeleteIf you can find the cultivar of Edgeworthia chrysantha 'Winter Gold', buy it. The flowers are doyble the size of the species. Great pictures of the flower in your post.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if I could grow this in Scotland? I would make room..
ReplyDeleteI have coveted Edgeworthia for so many years, but have never found the "perfect spot" in my garden. I have to go to the public gardens to see them in bloom every year!
ReplyDeleteWOW, those pictures are so beautiful. Love the blog, keep up the great work!
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