Paperbush Edgeworthia chrysantha 'Red Dragon'

Water

The Paper Bush (Edgeworthia chrysantha 'Red Dragon') should be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to become somewhat dry between waterings. In general, watering once a week with approximately one to two gallons of water per plant should suffice, depending on local climate conditions and soil type. During the heat of the summer, you may need to water more frequently, especially if your Paper Bush is planted in a well-drained or sandy soil. In the winter, watering can be reduced since the plant is dormant and the evaporation rate is lower. Always check the soil moisture level a few inches down to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.

Light

The Paper Bush prefers partial shade to full sun. It thrives best in a location where it receives morning sunlight and is protected from the intense heat of the afternoon sun. An ideal spot would be under the canopy of tall trees that provide filtered light or on the east side of a building where it gets good morning light but is sheltered from the harsh late-day sun.

Temperature

Paper Bush plants are hardy and can withstand a range of temperatures, but they perform best when the temperature stays between 45°F and 85°F. They can tolerate minimum winter temperatures down to about 0°F, yet extreme and prolonged cold below this range can damage the plant. Ensuring that the Paper Bush is planted in a well-drained site can help prevent cold damage in the winter.

Pruning

Prune the Paper Bush after it has finished flowering in the spring to maintain its shape and encourage healthy growth. Cut out any dead or diseased stems, and thin out congested branches to ensure good air circulation. The best time for heavy pruning, if necessary, is late winter or early spring before new growth starts, though this plant generally requires minimal pruning.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Paperbush (Edgeworthia chrysantha 'Red Dragon') thrives in rich, well-drained soil with high organic matter. The ideal soil mix should consist of two parts garden soil, one part peat moss or compost, and one part perlite or sand to ensure good drainage. This shrub prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.

Repotting

Paperbush should be repotted every two to three years, or when it becomes root-bound. Repotting is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Humidity & Misting

Paperbush prefers moderate to high humidity levels but is adaptable to lower humidity environments. It is important to protect it from dry air, especially during the heating season.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade, shelter from wind, mulch soil.

• Hardiness zone

  7-10 USDA

Life cycle

Edgeworthia chrysantha 'Red Dragon', commonly known as Paperbush, begins its life as a seed, which upon germination develops into a seedling with its first set of true leaves. As it grows, the plant enters the vegetative stage, producing a woody structure and multiple leaves, preparing for the next stage of development. The plant reaches maturity when it starts to develop flowers, usually during late winter to early spring, showcasing inflorescences with tubular, reddish blooms that give 'Red Dragon' its distinctive name. After pollination, which is typically facilitated by insects attracted by the fragrance and color of the flowers, the plant produces seeds. These seeds are then dispersed by wind, water, or animals, completing the cycle when they land in a suitable environment to germinate. In ideal conditions, Paperbush can live and continue this cycle for several years, with some plants known to live for a few decades.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late winter-early spring

• Edgeworthia chrysantha 'Red Dragon', commonly known as Red Dragon Paperbush, is most effectively propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings taken during the summer months. To propagate by cuttings, one should select a healthy stem and take a cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) in length, making sure it includes several leaf nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone powder to increase the chances of successful rooting. The cutting should then be placed in a well-draining potting mix and kept in a warm, humid environment with indirect light. Ensuring that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged is crucial for the development of roots, which typically begins within a few weeks. After the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into individual pots to mature before being planted out in the garden.