Edgeworthia Chrysantha

A deciduous shrub also known as the Oriental paperbush

The genus comprises three very similar species from China and Japan. It is named after Michael Pakenham Edgeworth (1812-81), part-time botanist, plant collector and employee of the East India Company.

The plant grown in gardens and sold in garden centers is commonly labelled E. papyrifera, which is actually a different species. There is some confusion over this, even between botanists. Apparently E. papyrifera has white flowers, not the yellow of E. chrysantha, though some botanists regard them as variations of one species.

Edgeworthia chrysantha is a heavily-wooded deciduous shrub. It grows to around 1.2-1.8 m high by 1.5 m wide. It has 12.5-17.5 cm long, pointed oval leaves. These leaves are soft green with prominent midribs and felted when young.

It has lovely follage, especially when young, but this plant is grown for its flowers. They are bright yellow aging to creamy white, tubular and about 1 cm long. An individual flower is nothing much, but en masse, the flowers are densely packed in 8 cm diameter globose heads, which are beautiful. The are very fragrant as well and open until late winter from buds that have been obvious from late autumn.

The flowers are followed by dry, purplish-green berries known technically as drupes. A drupe is a fruit with one of more hard seeds or stones encased in a soft, fleshy outer covering. More common examples are cherries, olives and apricots.

Edgeworthia Chrysantha is often underrated for the shrub is not always instantly appealing. Why? At first, its sparse growth and very heavy branches seem grotesque. But as with many things, familiarity causes one to overlook this drawback as one begins to appreciate the delicate coloring and fragrance of the flowers, and the beauty of the new foliage.

A moist, well-drained, humus-enriched soil with partial shade is best - similar to the conditions you would give your rhododendrons and camellias, or for that matter your daphnes. It is hardy to around -15°C and thrives in a cool temperate climate. Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings, aerial layers or seed.

Try Edgeworthia, it's not difficult to grow and although bare for much of the year. it has its moment of genuine glory when flowering, and its branch structure has that 'weird' appeal that makes it one for the collector.

About the author:  Geoff Bryant writes garden books and is a horticultural photographer based in Christchurch, New Zealand. His stock photo library is called Country, Farm and Garden at (www.cfgphoto.com).

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