Edgeworthia, a Delightful, Easy-Care Shrub

Just three years ago I purchased an Edgeworthia chrysantha, also called Chinese Paperbush. This deciduous shrub was a small thing at the time, about a foot tall, but I was captivated by its sphere of tubular flowers, reminding me of a little girl's white tutu with frilly yellow petticoats.So far I have nothing but good things to say about this plant, which provides multi-seasonal interest with little work from me. My Edgeworthia, though not yet a mature specimen, has already grown into a delightful shrub whose architectural form, cinnamon-colored stems and soft fuzzy leaves, six inches or more in length, are already making a statement in the garden.The shrub is often advertised as growing to 5 feet, but it can grow in an umbrella shape up to 8 feet tall by 10 feet wide, so I have left plenty of room for it. My three year old Edgeworthia has already grown to about four feet tall and wide.

This public domain photo shows a mature Edgeworthia laden with silver buds.As beautiful as Edgeworthia is during the growing season, the most outstanding feature has to be its fragrant flowers. Tight silver buds begin to swell with the approach of winter, and the flowers bloom on the tips of naked branches in late winter through early spring. They appear at the same time as those of its cousin, Daphne odora. Both shrubs are members of the Thymelaecea family. Sometimes Edgeworthia is call Yellow Daphne. The silver outer surface of its long-lasting blooms are furry in appearance, while the insides of the tubules are waxy. The wonderful spicy fragrance will have you sniffing, but you have to get down and look upward to appreciate the full beauty of the nodding blooms.

This has been a trouble-free shrub for me. I have not done anything to it since I planted it, except to apply a fish emulsion solution to it in early spring. I planted it in in partial shade under the high branches of an oak tree. Edgeworthia prefers well-drained soil, but for best flower production it needs plenty of moisture during the growing season. If established in soil high in organic matter, it is fairly drought tolerant. It also is deer resistant. It grows well in hardiness zones 7-9, and it may survive in protected areas of zone 6. 

There are several cultivars of this shrub, some having orange or red blooms. Edgeworthia papyrifera is very similar, though smaller and generally not as fragrant nor as hardy as E. chrysantha.

Comments

[Beth @ PlantPostings]

I've heard so many wonderful things about Edgeworthia, and the name seems so appropriate. It is a beauty! Perhaps if I ever live in a warmer climate, I will have one in my garden. Since I'm in zone 5, I can't grow it here, but for now I'll enjoy your exquisite photos. :)

[Paula@BloomsnSpades]

I've not heard of Edgeworthia before now,but what a great looking shrub! It seems like it has appeal all year around, especially with those beautiful silver buds. They really stand out on the bare branches. Thanks for posting about it Deb.

[Mark and Gaz]

Your specimen looks fab! Love this plant, for both the very early spring flowers and its velvety and rather large foliage :)

[Charlie@Seattle Trekker]

I love the blooms on this shrub. I am always looking for something new to add to the garden so your suggestions are always appreciated...The photos are really helpful.

[Sarah Shoesmith]

A lovely shrub - great for any winter insects. It's not quite hardy enough for us in a bad winter, but do you know what? You've convinced me it's worth a risk in a sheltered spot. Fingers crossed!

[Christina]

A great shrub in the right conditions, I think it needs acid soil, is that right? I love almost any shrub with perfumed flowers so I would definitely grow one if I had the right conditions to make it happy.

[Kris P]

Beautiful! I was surprised to find that my Sunset western garden guide indicates that it will grow in my area (Sunset zone 23/24, USDA zone 10b) but its water needs would appear to knock it off the list. Oh well, I can enjoy yours in photos.

[Deborah Elliott]

Hi, Everyone! Thank you for your comments! Christina, Edgeworthia is not particular about soil pH. The main thing is that the soil needs to be well drained. Deb

[Donna@Gardens Eye View]

I have long admired this shrub as many have featured it in their gardens...but alas it is not hardy for me.

[Janet/Plantaliscious]

I had to smile at your description of this as a trouble free plant Deb! I bought one two years ago and planted it in moist sheltered semi shade, but it has not flowers yet, and has frequently looked as if it was about to die! I threatened it with a move a couple of months ago, and despite a dry summer it is suddenly looking mighty fine, I love the architectural quality of the leaves. Now if it would only deign to flower... No signs of any of those extraordinary buds forming yet though.

[sweetbay]

I've seen this shrub at the JC Raulston Arboretum and unfortunately those specimens didn't have any fragrance, at least none that I could detect. :/ I love fragrant winter-blooming shrubs those and this one is certainly interesting!

[Indie]

I saw one in bloom at a nursery once in North Carolina, and it smelled so wonderfully! I was tempted to buy it, but I'm glad I didn't since we ended up moving. A beautiful plant for a season when there aren't too many flowers out yet!

[Pauline]

I am so tempted, I have read so much about it, I think maybe in the sunny side of the woodland, it would be protected from the worst of the winter wind. It is so beautiful, thank you for writing about it.

[Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams]

I love that plant, we had a huge one at the nursery...and I could always smell it start to bloom way before anyone else. What a feat right?

It's a gorgeous shrub..one that I wish I had in my garden.

Jen

[dave s]

I live in coastal Virginia and have drooled over our Edgworthia. It is 7 years old and is protected by the northwest corner of our house. From a 2-foot tall stick, it has grown to 5 feet tall and 10 feet across with 3-inch trunks. It blooms those luscious inverted honey pods three times yearly. I want to share it with friends. How can I start a new plant?

[Deborah Elliott]

Hi Dave, you could dig up the entire root ball and separate it into several plants, then replant - a real chore for a mature specimen like yours! Trying to propagate from cuttings is very difficult with a low success rate. Probably the best way is to dig around the base and retrieve any suckers with as much roots attached as possible, then pot them up and grow for a year in a protected area. Best wishes! Deb

[Lindsay]

I just planted an edgeworthia that I bought at a nursery about a week ago. I just noticed that there are a few leaves that are now yellowing. I gave it a long watering when I first put it in and then another one 5 days later. Any idea what's happening? Is it my watering?

[Deborah Elliott]

Hi Lindsay, I doubt that this is because of your watering. Many things can cause a plant's leaves to yellow. Since you just put it in the ground, I suspect it is suffering from a bit of "transplant shock." It has been taken from the protected nursery environment where it was grown, perhaps then shipped to the place from where you bought it, then to your garden. It has had a lot of adjusting to do! If it is a healthy plant planted in partial shade in well drained soil, it should do well. Since we are going into summer, be sure to continue to keep it well watered. Best wishes! Deb

[Monty]

Is my edgeworthia bush subject to frost damage? I live in N. California in Sonoma County.

[Deborah Elliott]

Hi Monty, this shrub is hardy in zone 7, with temps down to 10 degree Fahrenheit, or even a bit lower. I doubt you get that cold in winter, so your edgeworthia should be fine. Be aware, however, this plant is deciduous, so it is normal for it to lose its leaves in winter. Best wishes! Deb

[Larry]

Hi Deb,
We are in Bucks County , N of Philly, zone 6B. I've had our Edgeworthia C for about 6 years, originating from Scott Arb on the Swathmore College campus. When and how often do you suggest pruning to achieve the low umbrella form as mentioned? While exposed to the So. and protected from the NO., our plant seldom keeps it's blooms long enough to enjoy. Thanks so much for your posts and lovely pictures.
Larry

[Barbara Steltz]

I received my edgeworthia chrysantha in the mail today. The spot for it gets morning shade and evening sun. I live in Oregon zone 8. I am counting on the combination of the two conditions will work okay for it. Soil is great is great and water is no problem. I have been wanting one of these in my fromt Garden since the start of Covid! Gardening was my saving grade during the darker days of the pandemic!
Any suggestions, I am open to read them! Thank you! Barb

[Plantwme]

Hi Deb,
I want to have this Edgeworthia plant but I'm not sure how fast does it grow and if container is suitable for its growing if you can share some feedback. Thanks! Elvy

[Deborah Elliott]

Hello, Plantwme, Endgeworthia grows to be quite large. If you put it in a pot, it needs to be a very large one; the type in which one could plant a small tree. In ten years, my Edgeworthia has grown to be a good 10 feet wide and about six feet tall.
Best wishes!
Deb

[The Browns]

Is there a vidoe showing where to prune the Edgeworthy?
I find onessaying to prune as the flowers are finishing but WHERE cut?
Thanks

[Deborah Elliott]

Hello, Browns! Regarding your request for a video showing how to prune Edgeworthia: I really don’t know of a video. However, you prune Edgeworthia much like other ornamental shrubs. Cuts should be made just above an outward facing node in order to preserve its pleasing shape. A new branch will form at the node, so if you cut above a side or an inward facing node, you will get new branches going in the wrong direction. Cut any dead, damaged or diseased branch at the base. Just shape the plant to maintain its pleasing shape. Edgeworthias can grow quite large, and it is better to plant them where they can grow naturally rather than having to constantly trim them back to fit into smaller spaces.
I hope this helps. Best wishes!
Deb