Paper bush (Edgeworthia chrysantha) is a winter garden star.
Here it thrives in gardens in moderate to mild climates.
This deciduousshrub features showy bloomsthat last four to six weeks and emerge from equally beautiful silver flower buds.
Credit:magicflute002/Getty Images
Paper bush is a sweet-smelling plant with minimal upkeep.
Plant it in fall in most of the South or in spring at the northern edge of its range.
Ahead, discover how to grow and care for paper bush.
Give it light shade and moist, fertile, acidic, well-drained soil containing lots of organic material.
Water regularly during summer and fall to keep the soil consistently moist, and water during summer droughts.
Cuttings root easily in moist soil.
Take cuttings to display indoors in winter.
More sun exposure means more blooms.
Before planting, use a spade to ensure the ground is moist.
While the paper bush thrives in most pH environments, it is best in soil rich in organic materials.
Paper bush plants grow well in containers or in garden beds with mixed shrubs orperennial plants.
It also works as a border plant, in mass plantings, or in woodland gardens.
Water
Paper bush plants need frequent watering throughout the summer and fall or periods of extended heat.
Wait to water until the top few inches of soil are dry.
Once established, the shrub won’t need much water in winter.
Temperature And Humidity
Protect paper bush plants from the harsh afternoon summer heat and strong winds.
Fertilizer
Paper bushes benefit from adding organic material to the surrounding soil yearly.
Pruning
Paper bush plants are low-maintenance when it comesto pruning.
Give it about 6 feet of space so it has room to grow.
Young shrubs don’t require any pruning except to remove dead or diseased foliage.
Prune plant suckers away from the primary branch structure.
Keeping paper bush plants healthy as they are established will help promote better results in the future.
After it finishes blooming, it cloaks itself with very handsome foliage reminiscent of plumeria.
Long, narrow, leathery, blue-green leaves up to 10 inches long give the shrub a tropical look.
But you’re free to also propagate with cuttings in the summer.
Use a large container with drainage holes and fill with organically rich, well-draining potting mix.
Plant so that the root ball is level with the top of the soil, then water well.
Overwintering
Adding a layer of organic mulch can protect the plant’s roots and help retain moisture.
Consider placing the plant along a south or west-facing wall to protect against frost and frigid winter winds.
The ground provides insulation that containers cannot.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Thiseasy-to-maintain shrubdoes not have many pest or disease issues.
Occasionally, paper bush plants are susceptible to earwigs when the soil becomes too damp.
Spray soap and water solution to get rid of the infestation.
Other issues include root rot-related issues from using poorly draining soil.
Leaf curl or drop takes place if plants are over- or under-watered.
Drooping, rounded flower buds covered with silky, silvery hairs appear on top of naked stems.
When sunlight hits the buds, the paper bush seems to bloom already.
The flower buds grow in size and prominence all winter.
Flowering can last four to six weeks.
The more sunlight exposure, the more bloomsjust confirm to keep the plant hydrated.
You do not need to deadhead these flowers.
Amend soil with organic materials to help encourage proper water drainage.
Water more frequently in the summer.
Leaves Turning Yellow
Yellowing leaves often signify a nutrient imbalance.
Stems may appear more spindly if the problem persists.
Another reason for yellowing leaves is insufficient airflow.
Give plants enough space, and plant them in a manageable amount of space.
The paper bush was named by an Irish botanist named Michael Pakenham Edgeworth and Maria Edgeworth, his half-sister.
They chose the name “chrysantha” as it means golden flowers.
