Paperbush, Chinese Paper Plant
edgeworthia chrysantha
Also known as: ["Daphne chrysantha","Winter Daphne"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub native to China, known for its fragrant, yellow flowers that bloom in late winter to early spring.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Thymelaeaceae |
| Genus: | Edgeworthia |
| Botanical Name: | Edgeworthia chrysantha |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: protected garden bed or container in partial shade
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–12–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days during dry periods, especially in summer
- Drainage: Well-draining but moisture-retentive.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter and drainage.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full sun (4–6 hours of morning sun, filtered afternoon light preferred).
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun to avoid scorching; protect from harsh afternoon sun, especially in hot climates.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Morning sun is ideal; provide shade during peak heat; rotate plant for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; avoid waterlogging, especially in winter.
Soil
moist, well-draining, rich in organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter; maintain consistent moisture.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–75°F or 10–24°C); tolerates mild frosts but avoid prolonged freezing.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; maintain moderate humidity.
Fertilizing
monthly during spring and summer, every 2 months in fall and winter
Fertilize lightly after pruning; stop feeding in fall to prepare for dormancy; use organic options like compost tea.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division in early spring.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Early spring before new growth begins.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (65–75°F or 18–24°C), and indirect light.
Medium
Peaty, well-draining mix like perlite or sand with peat moss.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots develop in 4–8 weeks; establish in 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, plastic bags or propagator, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep consistently moist; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning and heading back to shape the plant.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage flowering, and remove dead or weak growth.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, gloves, disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune dead/damaged wood; shape plant; avoid excessive pruning in summer.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with a slightly larger pot.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for younger plants to encourage growth.
Checklist
Choose right pot size; prepare fresh soil; trim roots if needed; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the root zone until the soil is evenly moist, ensuring excess drains away. Water early in the morning or late evening to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during spring and summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; use mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, wilting, or browning edges in extreme heat or cold; stunted growth in unsuitable temperatures.
Cold Stress
Leaves may curl or drop; buds may fail to open; root damage in freezing conditions.
Solution: Mulch heavily in winter; protect from frost with a cover; move potted plants indoors if temperatures drop below 20°F (-6°C).
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering in excessive heat; soil drying out quickly.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; dilute liquid feeds; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength monthly during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation if they ingest parts of Edgeworthia chrysantha. The plant's compounds can cause discomfort, though severe toxicity is rare. Cats are particularly sensitive to certain plant toxins, so caution is advised.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Edgeworthia chrysantha can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of saponins and other irritant compounds. While generally not life-threatening, ingestion may cause discomfort and require veterinary attention if symptoms persist.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicEdgeworthia chrysantha contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and irritation upon ingestion. The plant's roots, stems, and leaves contain saponins and other secondary metabolites that may provoke adverse reactions in sensitive individuals.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When does Edgeworthia chrysantha bloom?
A: It blooms in late winter to early spring, typically January to March.
Q: Is Edgeworthia chrysantha toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: Does Edgeworthia chrysantha require full sun?
A: It prefers partial shade, especially in hotter climates, and benefits from protection from harsh afternoon sun.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Thymelaeaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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