Edgeworthia

The only widely grown species, Edgeworthia chrysantha, is a rounded, open shrub with narrow, mid-green leaves that turn yellow in autumn. In late winter, before the leaves emerge, dangling clusters of silver-white, tubular flowers open to yellow or orange, at the tips of the bare branches.

Edgeworthia thrive in sheltered, partially shaded positions with humus-rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil and prefer a spot out of harsh wind.

Edgeworthia dislike poorly drained or waterlogged soils and would struggle in exposed or windy locations. They may be slow to establish, and suffer in colder gardens without some winter protection.

In Japan, bark fibres from Edgeworthia are traditionally used to make high-quality paper, which explains the common name ‘paperbush’. The young stems are so flexible they can be tied into knots.