Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Thymelaeaceae
Botanical Name
Edgeworthia chrysantha
Plant Common Name
Paperbush
General Description
Paperbush is a small deciduous shrub with interesting open branching that bears late winter blossoms. The small yellow flowers are covered in fuzzy hairs on this native of China. These fragrant flowers eventually fade to a creamy white. The large leaves are nice dark green on this unusual shrub. Young leaves emerge with a felt texture. The branches are relatively few, but are very architectually appealing. After blooming, little purple-green berries develop. New flower buds, interesting in themselves, are visible by the end of autumn, and remain until opening in late winter or very early spring.
Provide paperbush a moist, well drained soil in either full sun or a lightly shaded spot. In the growing season, irrigate freely but reduce watering during the winter dormancy months. Paper bush is a plant enthusiast's dream as an unusual addition to the shrub border or a woodland garden. It can likely be planted outside of its cold hardiness range if placed next to a protective wall.
The botanical name Edgeworthia papyrifera is considered a synonym, although there remain questions whether it's a natural variant of paperbush or truly a definite separate species.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 6
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USDA Hardiness Zone
7 - 10
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Sunset Zone
5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Shrub
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Sun Exposure
Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
4'-6' / 1.2m - 1.8m (5)
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Width
4'-5' / 1.2m - 1.5m (5)
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Bloom Time
Late Winter
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Native To
China
