Paperbush Edgeworthia chrysantha 'Grandiflora'
ABOUT
Known commonly as paperbush, Edgeworthia chrysantha 'Grandiflora' is a deciduous shrub that is particularly noted for its highly fragrant, spherical, yellow flowers that bloom in late winter to early spring. These flowers are clustered at the branch tips and form in groups surrounded by a base of small, narrow bracts, adding to the ornamental value of the plant. The foliage of paperbush consists of lance-shaped, dark green leaves that typically grow in a spiraling pattern around the stem. The leaves can turn yellow in fall, providing some autumn interest before they drop. The bark is smooth and has a rich, reddish-brown color which is quite visible when the leaves have fallen. Paperbush plants have a multi-stemmed, open, and rounded form. The branches arch gracefully and add an elegant structure to the garden. The twigs and young stems have a uniqueness to them; they are usually covered with a silvery-white down, giving the shrub a soft, tactile appeal. In terms of the flowers themselves, they are tubular and arranged in dense, terminal clusters that can resemble small pom-poms. As the flowers mature, they typically progress from a silvery appearance to deep yellow as they open fully. Overall, paperbush is known for its winter interest, fragrant flowers, attractive foliage, and structural beauty, which make it a valuable addition to gardens where its characteristics can be appreciated.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Thymelaeaceae
Synonyms
Chinese Paper Bush, Yellow Daphne, Oriental Paper Bush, Japanese Paper Plant
Common names
Edgeworthia papyrifera 'Grandiflora', Edgeworthia tomentosa 'Grandiflora'.
ToxicityTo humans
Paperbush (Edgeworthia chrysantha 'Grandiflora') is not widely known to be toxic to humans. There is limited information available on its effects if ingested, so it is advisable to avoid eating any part of this plant. If it is considered potentially toxic, as with many ornamental plants, ingestion could possibly lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. However, specific symptoms associated with paperbush toxicity in humans are not well-documented, so caution should be exercised.
To pets
Paperbush (Edgeworthia chrysantha 'Grandiflora') is also not widely known to be toxic to pets. Similar to its effects on humans, there is limited information available regarding its toxicity to pets if ingested. It is generally recommended to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants as they may cause gastrointestinal upset or other health issues. In the absence of specific toxicity information for paperbush, it is best to keep pets away from this plant and seek veterinary care if ingestion occurs and adverse symptoms are observed.
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: Paper Bush adds visual interest to gardens with its unique flowering structure and bright yellow blooms.
- Winter Interest: It flowers in late winter to early spring, providing color and interest during a time when few other plants are in bloom.
- Fragrance: The flowers emit a pleasant scent, adding a sensory element to the garden.
- Ease of Care: Paper Bush is relatively easy to maintain, requiring minimal pruning and moderate watering.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers provide an early food source for bees and other pollinators when options are scarce.
- Architectural Structure: The plant has a distinctive mounded shape that can serve as a focal point in landscape design.
- Deer Resistance: It is generally resistant to deer, which is beneficial in areas where deer browsing is a problem.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The bark of Paper Bush is used in Japan to make high-quality paper for banknotes, artwork, and calligraphy due to its strong yet smooth texture.
- Its fibrous bark can be processed to create ropes and textiles, although this is not a common use outside traditional crafts.
- As an ornamental plant, Paper Bush's branches can be cut and forced to bloom indoors, providing winter floral displays.
- The stems of Paper Bush can be used in basketry, woven while they are young and pliable to create intricate patterns.
- Paper Bush wood, being somewhat soft and easy to work with, can be used to make small handcrafted items like ornaments.
- In the garden, Paper Bush can function as a natural privacy screen due to its dense growth habit when planted in groups.
- Its plant extracts, particularly from flowers, can be used in perfumery to create unique scents, although this is not a widespread practice.
- When in bloom, Paper Bush acts as a nectar source for early-foraging bees and butterflies, supporting pollinator populations.
- The dried parts of the plant can be incorporated into potpourri mixes for a subtle fragrance and decorative look.
- Paper Bush can be used as a teaching tool in botanical and horticultural education due to its unique characteristics and growth habit.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Paperbush is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Paperbush is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Prosperity: The golden blooms of the Paperbush (Edgeworthia chrysantha 'Grandiflora') are often associated with wealth and prosperity, reminiscent of gold coins.
- Renewal: Blooming in late winter or early spring, this plant signifies the end of the cold season and the beginning of a new growth cycle, hence, embodying the idea of renewal.
- Fragility: The delicate flowers of the Paperbush represent the fragile nature of life and beauty, reminding us to cherish every moment.
- Transformation: As the Paperbush transitions from its dormant state to a flourishing shrub with vibrant flowers, it symbolizes transformation and the ability to change.
- Hope: The appearance of its flowers at the tail end of winter provides a hopeful sign that warmer days are coming soon, making it a symbol of hope.
WaterThe Paperbush (Edgeworthia chrysantha 'Grandiflora') prefers consistent moisture and should be watered deeply, especially during dry spells. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water weekly. During the growing season in spring and summer, increase watering frequency to accommodate faster growth, ensuring the top inch of soil is consistently damp. In winter, reduce watering to prevent soggy conditions, but do not allow the soil to dry out completely. Adjust watering based on rain, humidity, and temperature, always checking the soil moisture before adding more water.
LightThe Paperbush thrives in partial shade to full sun, but it should be protected from harsh, direct afternoon sunlight. The ideal spot is where it can receive filtered light or morning sun followed by afternoon shade. This balance will ensure vibrant blooms and healthy foliage without the risk of sun scorch.
TemperaturePaperbush plants are hardy and prefer a temperature range between 45°F to 85°F. They can tolerate short periods of colder temperatures down to about 10°F but are at risk of cold damage if temperatures drop much below this point. The plant's ideal growing conditions include mild winters and warm, not hot, summers.
PruningPruning the Paperbush should be done to maintain shape, remove any dead or damaged branches, and encourage healthy growth. Pruning is best performed after flowering in early spring. Typically, minimal pruning is required; remove only what is necessary to keep the plant looking tidy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPaperbush ('Grandiflora') requires well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5. A good mix would be equal parts of loam, peat, and perlite or sand to ensure proper drainage and aeration. It’s essential to maintain organic content for nutrient retention and moisture balance.
RepottingPaperbush ('Grandiflora') should be repotted every 2-3 years. It's best repotted in spring before the new growth starts, allowing the roots to establish in their new container.
Humidity & MistingPaperbush ('Grandiflora') thrives best at average room humidity levels, around 40-60%. While it adapts to lower humidity, higher levels are beneficial during its active growth period.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow Paperbush in bright, indirect light with high humidity.
Outdoor
Plant Paperbush in partial shade, shelter from wind, moist soil.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleThe Paperbush (Edgeworthia chrysantha 'Grandiflora') begins its life as a dormant seed, which, when sown in favorable conditions of moist soil and warmth, germinates and sprouts into a seedling. As it grows, the seedling develops into a young plant with a woody stem and a root system, and its leaves begin to unfurl. Throughout the spring and summer, the Paperbush enters a vegetative stage where it focuses on growth, producing lush, green foliage. In late winter to early spring, before the leaves emerge, it enters a reproductive stage characterized by the blossoming of fragrant, yellow to cream flowers clustered in round inflorescences, which are pollinated by insects. Following pollination, the flowers develop into seed capsules, which eventually dry and release seeds to complete the cycle. In autumn, the plant prepares for dormancy, shedding its leaves and retreating to a period of winter rest until the cycle begins anew with the next flowering period.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The most popular method of propagating the winter daphne (Edgeworthia chrysantha 'Grandiflora') is by semi-hardwood cuttings. This technique involves taking cuttings that are partially matured, typically in late summer, from the current season's growth. The cuttings, about 4 to 6 inches long, with a few leaves remaining at the top, are dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. They are then inserted into a well-draining soil mix or propagation medium. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a warm environment with indirect light. It usually takes several weeks for the cuttings to root sufficiently before they can be transplanted into individual pots or a permanent location in the garden.
