The Edgeworthia: an original plant
The Edgeworthia (Edgeworthia chrysantha or Paper Bush) has a very particular, rather rare habit: each branch branches out into three branches. And when the plant is adult, it forms a perfect globe, very graphic.
During the month of January, the Edgeworthia opens its flowers which exhale a delicious perfume, like the other members of the Daphne family, to which it belongs.
The varieties of Edgeworthia
There are several varieties of Edgeworthia, including :
- Edgeworthia chrysantha 'Nanjing Gold', yellow blooming ;
- Edgeworthia chrysantha 'Akebono' or 'Red Dragon', with a red-orange bloom, a softer habit, and less graphic than 'Nanjing Gold' or the type.
Edgeworthia growing conditions
Soil
Edgeworthia are a bit demanding as to the nature of the soil that can accommodate them. They are plants that do not tolerate excess of water, nor big episodes of drought. They should therefore be planted in good garden soil and a good organic mulch (RCW, straw, lawn clippings) should be used to keep the plant cool at the foot of the plant and to encourage soil life.
Exposure
In regions with hot summers, choose a semi-shaded exposure (sun in the morning and shade in the afternoon).
In regions located further north (Brittany, Normandy, Hauts de France), it can be exposed to full sun.
Hardiness
The Edgeworthia resists to - 10°C.
Maintenance of Edgeworthia
It is very easy to maintain the Edgeworthia. Pruning is not necessary. It is a shrub that, once planted (with a contribution of compost) and well developed, will produce shoots from the base that should not be removed: this is the means of survival of the plant. After a few years, the main stem dies. The stems that appear at the base then take over.
Bonus: Edgeworthia have no known pests.
Multiplication of Edgeworthia
The propagation of Edgeworthia is quite complex. Professionals use an in vitro method under sterile conditions.
Tip: install the Edgeworthia near a place of passage to take advantage of the winter flowering.
