Paper Bush (Edgeworthia)

It is usually a shock when one stumbles upon a blooming Edgeworthia (commonly called “Paper bush” or “Oriental Paper bush”) in the stark winter landscape. One does not see this plant often in gardens but adventurous gardeners who want something different and have the space for it, should give it a try.

A native of China and the Himalayas, the shrub is named in honor of Irish botanist Michael Pakenham Edgeworth and his half sister, the novelist Maria Edgeworth.

The common name “paper bush” derives from the fact that the bark is used to make high quality paper products like wallpaper and calligraphy paper. In Japan, it is used to make banknotes.

Edgeworthia is a botanical relative of Daphne. During the spring and summer, the shrub is covered with long green leaves which look similar to plumeria. In the fall, the plant loses its leaves and silver flower buds open in late winter with clusters of dense flowers on the tips of the branches. The flowers open slowly with bright lemon-yellow interiors that fade to creamy white around the edges. The flowers are fragrant and will last for 4-6 weeks. There are also varieties with red-orange flowers (‘Akebano’ and ‘Red Tiger’ are two).

These shrubs can get quite large – 6′ x 6′ is a general estimate but they can get larger when growing in optimal conditions. They like moist, well-drained soil in partial shade. For best results, plant them in a sheltered area, surrounded by other plants.