Native to the woodlands of China, this deciduous shrub is a member of the Thymelaeaceae, a plant family that also includes Daphne. It grows up to 6′ tall and wide, is well branched, and has narrow leaves 3-5″ long, green above with gray-green undersides, and covered with white silky hairs when young. From late winter to early spring, before the leaves emerge, round clusters of up to 40 apetalous tubular flowers appear from silvery buds set in late summer. The flowerheads are 2″ across, have a gardenia-like scent, and give way to a dry one-seeded fruit. In some Asian cultures the bark is used to make a quality paper. Chinse paperbush does well in a container and is a good choice for woodland, shade, and fragrance gardens. The genus name, Edgeworthia, honors Michael Pakenham Edgeworth (1812-1881), Irish botanist, and his half sister Maria Edgeworth (1768-1849.) The specific epithet, chrysantha, comes from the Greek words χρῡσός (khrūsós) meaning gold, and ἄνθος (anthos) meaning flower. Photo Credit UltraH Wikimedia Commons
Type: Flowering deciduous shrub
Outstanding Feature: Flowers-fragrance and early bloom time
Form: Rounded
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Bloom: Round clusters of yellow fragrant flowers from late winter to early spring
Size: 4-6′ H x 4-6′ W
Light: Part shade to full sun
Soil: Humus rich, medium moist, well-drained
Hardiness: Zones 7-10
Care: Low maintenance
Pests and Diseases: None of significance
Propagation: Division, root cuttings, semi-ripe nodal stem-tip cuttings
Outstanding Selection: ‘Spring Bouquet’
Photo Credit: Roozitaa Wikimedia Commons
Karen Meyers