Paperbush Edgeworthia chrysantha
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as Paperbush is an ornamental shrub that is particularly noted for its unique appearance and fragrance. The plant is characterized by its smooth, upright branching structure and boasts a deep, reddish-brown bark that adds to its visual interest. During the winter months, the branches become adorned with clusters of small flower buds that are enveloped in silky white hairs, giving them a somewhat pearl-like appearance. As the seasons transition into late winter and early spring, these buds blossom into remarkable fragrant flowers, with each cluster unfurling to reveal a tuft of small, tubular blooms that radiate outwards like the spokes of a wheel. The blooms are predominantly a rich, golden yellow color, imparting a sense of warmth and brightness to the plant's surroundings. Paperbush's leaves emerge after the flowering period, and they are equally as impressive as its blossoms. The foliage consists of large, lance-shaped leaves that assemble in an eye-catching, whorled arrangement. These leaves are lush and leathery, displaying a vibrant green color that can turn to shades of yellow in the autumn, adding yet another layer of visual interest as the seasons change. Overall, the Paperbush is celebrated for its dynamic seasonal transformations, from the silvery-white buds of winter to the golden-yellow flowers of spring and the lush greenery of summer, culminating in an autumnal display of yellowing leaves. Its elegant structure, combined with its fragrant blooms and attractive foliage, makes it a favorite among ornamental shrubs for gardeners and plant enthusiasts.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Thymelaeaceae
Synonyms
Paperbush, Oriental Paperbush, Yellow Daphne, Japanese Paper Plant
Common names
Edgeworthia tomentosa, Edgeworthia papyrifera.
ToxicityTo humans
Paperbush (Edgeworthia chrysantha) is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. There is limited information available on its potential toxicity, and it is not generally considered a poisonous plant. However, as with many plants, individual reactions can vary, and it is always advisable to avoid ingesting plant material that is not known to be safe for consumption.
To pets
Paperbush (Edgeworthia chrysantha) is not widely recognized as being toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. There is no substantial evidence suggesting that this plant poses a significant risk if ingested by pets. Nonetheless, to avoid potential gastrointestinal upset or other issues, it is recommended to prevent pets from consuming plants that are not confirmed to be safe for them.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Spread
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Paperbush plant provides year-round visual interest due to its striking silver flower buds, fragrant yellow blooms in winter or early spring, and lush green foliage that shifts to yellow in the fall.
- Attracts Pollinators: It is beneficial for gardens as it attracts bees and other pollinators, contributing to the pollination of surrounding plants.
- Easy Maintenance: Paperbush has low maintenance needs once established, requiring minimal pruning and care, which can appeal to gardeners of all skill levels.
- Winter Interest: With its bright flowers, Paperbush is one of the few plants that bloom in winter, providing color and vibrancy to otherwise dormant landscapes.
- Versatility in Landscaping: It can be used in a variety of landscape designs, including as a specimen plant, in shrub borders, or in woodland gardens.
- Drought Tolerance: After establishment, Paperbush exhibits some drought tolerance, making it suitable for regions with occasional water scarcity.
- Resilience to Pests: It is generally resistant to pests and diseases, ensuring that it remains a robust and attractive feature in the garden without the need for chemical treatments.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artisanal Papermaking: The bark fibers of Edgeworthia chrysantha, commonly known as paperbush, are used in Japan to create high-quality paper called mitsumata paper, prized for its texture and durability.
- Craft Projects: The flexible stems of paperbush can be used in woven basketry and other craft projects requiring pliable natural materials.
- Home Fragrance: The flowers of paperbush emit a strong, sweet fragrance that can be used to naturally freshen rooms in a house when the plant is brought indoors.
- Floral Arrangements: The attractive yellow blossoms and structural branches make paperbush a popular choice for ornamental uses in floral arrangements and bouquets.
- Garden Plant Structure: Paperbush can be trained and shaped into architectural forms, adding structural interest to ornamental gardens even when it's not in bloom.
- Winter Interest: With its flowers that bloom in late winter, paperbush provides visual interest in gardens during the colder months when most plants are dormant.
- Natural Dye: The bark and flowers may potentially be used to derive natural dyes for coloring textiles, though specific techniques and color outcomes would vary based on processing.
- Photography: Due to its picturesque blooms and attractive structure, paperbush is often used by photographers seeking to capture the beauty of plants in various seasons.
- Plant Training Education: Paperbush's growth habits offer an opportunity for educational initiatives on plant training and pruning in horticulture programs.
- Religious and Cultural Use: In some cultures, the plant may be used in religious and ceremonial decorations due to its aesthetic beauty and fragrance.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Paperbush is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Paperbush is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Wealth and Prosperity: With its golden blooms, Edgeworthia chrysantha, commonly known as Paperbush, is often associated with wealth and prosperity, symbols reflected in the rich color of its flowers.
- Resilience and Survival: Paperbush has the ability to withstand cold winters, making it a symbol of resilience and the capacity to survive through hard times.
- Inspiration and Creativity: The unique form of its blossoms and the plant's use in high-quality paper-making link it to creativity and artistic inspiration.
- Rarity and Exclusivity: Because Edgeworthia chrysantha is not as commonly known or grown as other flowering shrubs, it can symbolize rarity and exclusivity.
- Transition and Change: Blooming in late winter or early spring, Paperbush can represent the transition from one season to another, or more broadly, the concept of change and new beginnings.
WaterThe Paperbush (Edgeworthia chrysantha) prefers consistent moisture, especially during its growing season in spring and summer. Water the Paperbush once a week, supplying about 1-2 gallons per plant depending on the size and the environmental conditions. During hot spells or in particularly dry regions, increase the frequency but be careful not to overwater as it can lead to root rot. In the winter, reduce the watering but do not allow the soil to completely dry out. Always check the soil moisture before watering; it should be moist but not sodden.
LightThe Paperbush plant thrives in partial shade to dappled sunlight, making it well-suited for planting under the high canopy of open trees. Ideally, it should be protected from harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves, but it still requires some light to bloom properly. A spot that receives morning sunlight and afternoon shade would be the perfect balance for this plant.
TemperatureThe Paperbush is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, from as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit in winter to temperatures that reach about 80 degrees Fahrenheit in summer. The ideal growing temperature for this plant is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It is recommended to protect the plant from harsh winter winds and frost to prevent damage to the flowers and bark.
PruningPruning the Paperbush is necessary to maintain its shape, remove dead or damaged branches, and encourage the growth of healthy blooms. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before the new growth starts. It's recommended to only lightly prune the plant because heavy pruning can reduce the number of blooms. Remove only the dead wood and lightly shape the plant as desired.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPaperbush (Edgeworthia chrysantha) thrives in well-drained, humus-rich soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7. The best soil mix includes two parts loam, one part peat or well-rotted compost, and one part sharp sand or perlite to improve drainage.
RepottingPaperbush should be repotted every two to three years, ideally during spring before new growth starts. It allows room for roots to grow and refreshes the nutrient availability in the soil.
Humidity & MistingPaperbush prefers moderate to high humidity levels; consistently maintaining humidity around 60% is ideal for this plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place paperbush near bright window, keep soil moist, and provide high humidity.
Outdoor
Plant paperbush in partial shade, protect from strong winds, ensure moist soil.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA.
Life cycleEdgeworthia chrysantha, commonly known as paperbush, begins its life cycle when a seed germinates, typically in the spring. The seedling emerges and develops into a young plant, establishing a root system and beginning to grow its signature lance-shaped leaves. As the plant matures, it forms a woody structure and can reach up to 6 feet tall and wide, presenting a rounded, multi-stemmed habit. In late winter to early spring, before the leaves appear, paperbush produces fragrant, yellow, tubular flowers clustered into spherical inflorescences that are highly attractive to pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed capsules, which eventually open to release seeds for dispersal. Throughout its life, paperbush undergoes a yearly cycle of foliage growth in the spring and summer, followed by leaf drop in the fall after the plant enters dormancy during the colder months.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method of propagation for Edgeworthia chrysantha, commonly known as the Paperbush, is through semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer. Cuttings should be about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long, with several leaf nodes, and the lower leaves should be removed. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone to increase the chances of successful rooting. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix and keep them moist and under indirect light until roots develop, which can take several weeks. Covering the cuttings with a plastic bag can help maintain high humidity levels, which is beneficial for root development. Once rooted, cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots and eventually moved outdoors after hardening off and when the risk of frost has passed.
