Edgeworthia chrysantha (Paperbush) – A Fragrant Winter-Blooming Shrub with Golden-Yellow Flowers
Edgeworthia chrysantha, commonly known as Paperbush, is a striking deciduous shrub that adds a unique touch to the garden with its fragrant, golden-yellow clusters of flowers that bloom in late winter to early spring. This hardy shrub has an elegant, upright growth habit, reaching a height of 1.2–1.8 meters (4–6 feet) and a similar spread, making it perfect for borders, woodland gardens, or as a specimen plant in smaller landscapes. Its striking appearance, combined with the sweet fragrance of its blooms, makes it a standout in the garden when most other plants are still dormant.
Why Grow Edgeworthia chrysantha (Paperbush)?
Fragrant Winter Blooms – Edgeworthia chrysantha is renowned for its clusters of fragrant, golden-yellow flowers that appear in late winter or early spring, filling the air with a sweet, intoxicating scent. This early bloom provides much-needed colour and fragrance during the colder months when the garden might otherwise seem bare.
Elegant Form & Upright Growth – This shrub has an upright, arching habit, reaching a height of 1.2–1.8 meters (4–6 feet) with a similar spread. It is ideal for adding structure and seasonal interest to mixed borders, woodland gardens, or even as a specimen plant in a patio container.
Attractive Foliage – Even when not in bloom, Edgeworthia chrysantha has attractive, large, dark green leaves that provide a lush backdrop to its striking flowers. In the fall, the leaves turn a rich yellow, adding to the seasonal display.
Hardy & Low-Maintenance – Edgeworthia chrysantha is a hardy shrub that requires minimal care once established. It tolerates a variety of soil types and conditions, making it perfect for gardeners seeking an easy-to-grow, low-maintenance shrub that provides early-season beauty.
Wildlife-Friendly – The fragrant flowers attract pollinators, including bees and butterflies, making it a valuable addition to any wildlife-friendly garden.
Planting & Care Guide
Position – Prefers partial shade to full sun. While it thrives in full sun, it can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates. Plant in locations where the shrub will receive morning sun and some afternoon shade for optimal flower production.
Soil – Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile, and slightly acidic soil. Edgeworthia chrysantha is adaptable to most soil types but performs best in rich, moist, well-drained soil.
Watering – Water regularly during the first growing season to establish deep roots. Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant but will benefit from occasional watering during dry spells.
Maintenance:
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Pruning – Prune after flowering to remove any dead or damaged wood and maintain the shrub's shape. Light pruning will also encourage new growth and help keep the plant tidy.
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Mulching – Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and keep the roots cool in hot weather.
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Fertilizing – Fertilize with a balanced fertiliser in early spring to promote healthy growth and abundant flowering.
Perfect Plant Combinations
Edgeworthia chrysantha pairs beautifully with other early-blooming plants like Hellebores, Winter Jasmine, or Crocus, creating a lovely combination of colour and fragrance as the garden awakens from winter. For added texture, combine it with evergreen shrubs such as Yew or Holly, which will provide a year-round backdrop to the Paperbush’s seasonal display. Edgeworthia also works well in woodland or shade gardens, where it can be combined with ferns, Hostas, or Trillium for a soft, naturalistic look. The combination of fragrant winter blooms and attractive foliage makes Edgeworthia chrysantha an ideal choice for gardens that seek to bring seasonal interest and beauty even in the colder months
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.