Paperbush
edgeworthia tomentosa
Also known as: ["Winter Daphne","Tassel Flower"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub known for its fragrant, pale yellow flowers that bloom in late winter to early spring.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Thymelaeaceae |
| Genus: | Edgeworthia |
| Botanical Name: | Edgeworthia tomentosa |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: partially shaded garden bed or container in a sheltered spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–12–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining; avoid heavy clay soils.
- Soil Type: Rich, well-draining loam with organic matter.
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 prevent leaf burn; protect from harsh afternoon sun, especially in hot climates.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun with protection from harsh afternoon sun
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, fertile soil with organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter; avoid waterlogged conditions.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 7–9; prefers 50–75°F (10–24°C); tolerates light frosts.
Protect from hard freezes; avoid sudden temperature swings; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize lightly after flowering; avoid over-fertilizing, which can harm roots; water before applying fertilizer.
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.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Early spring before new growth begins.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain 70–75°F (21–24°C) and high humidity.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots develop in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot after 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic cover; keep out of direct sun.
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 (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune before flowering; remove dead/damaged wood; shape evenly.
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 young plants to encourage growth.
Checklist
Choose right-sized pot; use 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 for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water early in the day to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry.
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; avoid compacting soil.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, wilting, or browning edges in extreme heat or cold; stunted growth in temperature stress.
Cold Stress
Leaves may curl or drop; young growth can be damaged by hard freezes.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect with frost cloth in severe cold; avoid overwatering in winter.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering in prolonged heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; water before and after; avoid late-season feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas. Reduce or stop fertilizing in late summer/autumn.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset and allergic reactions if they ingest parts of Edgeworthia tomentosa. The plant poses a low risk but can cause discomfort in cats that consume it.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Edgeworthia tomentosa can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset and allergic reactions. The plant is not considered highly toxic but can cause discomfort in dogs that consume it.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicEdgeworthia tomentosa contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and allergic reactions in humans. The plant's effects are generally not severe but can be problematic for individuals with sensitive digestive systems or allergies.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When does Edgeworthia tomentosa bloom?
A: It blooms in late winter to early spring, typically January to March.
Q: Is Edgeworthia tomentosa toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How much sunlight does Edgeworthia tomentosa need?
A: It prefers partial shade to full sun, with protection from harsh afternoon sun.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Thymelaeaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun with |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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