Edgeworthia flowering in March garden

First, I must thank South Carolina nurseryman, Mr. Ted Stephens, who gifted me  a Chinese paperbush (Edgeworthia chrysantha) nearly 6 years ago. Most plant authorities rate its winter hardiness to USDA zones 7 and 8. It struggled through its first winter and spring  in my zone 6-b garden, but has never disappointed. A few gardeners living near me are also enjoying some success. 

Paperbush is not difficult to grow and is fascinating to watch as cold temperatures moderate in early March. The uniquely nodding floral buds are clearly visible on branch tips in early fall. Fragrant flowers open in early March before the new spring foliage emerges. The tubular clusters of flowers are light yellow on the inside and white on the outside. After a number of years roots will sucker new plants, forming a small plant colony. If your plant reaches suckering stage, congratulations, it is happy in your garden.

Its greenish blue foliage is attractive over the 4-5 feet tall plants. Paperbush is a multi-stemmed shrub. The new growth is coated with fur-like reddish brown hairs. Paperbush belongs in a protected woodland environment under partial shade in the summer. Its unusual flowering and early season flowering entice plant collectors to give it a try.

Paperbush is definitely a collector’s plant and is available at e-commerce nurseries.