Discover the Fragrant Winter Flowers of Paperbush
Deer Resistant, Low Maintenance and Easy to Grow!
Paperbush (Edgeworthia chrysantha), also known as the golden paper plant, is a captivating flowering shrub native to Asia.
Loved for its fragrant winter blooms and easy-care nature, it’s a fantastic choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
This deciduous shrub develops silvery flower buds in summer, which persist on bare branches until late winter.
Then…the winter show starts! Clusters of small, tubular golden-yellow blossoms burst into bloom, filling the air with a delicate fragrance.
Flowering lasts through April, providing essential nectar for early pollinators when little else is in bloom.
Once the flowers fade, paperbush leafs out with lush, blue-green foliage, adding a tropical touch to the landscape.
It has a medium growth rate (12-24 inches per year), eventually reaching a mature size of 4-6 feet high and wide in 10 years.
A relative of Daphne, it’s far more adaptable and easier to grow, making it a standout addition to any garden.
Paperbush flowers open in late winter.
How to Grow and Care for Paperbush
Light: Prefers partial shade but tolerates full sun with adequate moisture.
Soil: Thrives in well-draining, rich, loamy soil with consistent moisture.
Watering: Keep soil evenly moist, especially during dry spells. Read “How to Water Your Plants” for help with watering issues.
Temperature: Cold-hardy in zones 7-10; protect from harsh winter winds.
Pruning: Minimal pruning needed; remove dead or damaged branches as needed.
Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring to encourage healthy growth.
Mulching: Add a layer of mulch to retain moisture and protect roots.
Is Paperbush Deer Resistant?
Yes, paperbush (Edgeworthia chrysantha) is considered deer-resistant. Its fragrant, leathery foliage isn't a preferred food source for deer.
However, like most plants, it’s not entirely deer-proof! 😕
Hungry deer will eat almost anything if their preferred food sources are scarce.
To prevent damage, especially to tender young plants, consider using protective barriers like fencing or chicken wire until the shrub grows larger and becomes more established.
Landscaping Ideas for Paperbush
Foundation Planting: Plant paperbush near the foundation of your home to create a stunning focal point. Its fragrant winter flowers will add interest and fragrance to the front of your house.
Mixed Shrub Border: Combine paperbush with other deciduous and evergreen shrubs to create a dynamic, year-round border.
Woodland Garden: Plant paperbush alongside with other partial shade-loving plants, like ferns, heucheras, and astilbes, to create a serene woodland garden.
Japanese Garden: Paperbush is an excellent choice for a Japanese-style garden. Combine it with Japanese maples, Japanese andromeda, azaleas, and Hakone grass.
Mixed Perennial Border: Integrate paperbush into the back of a mixed perennial border. Its early-season blooms will complement the later-blooming perennials for year-round interest.
Specimen: Use paperbush as a focal point in your landscape; plant it as a solitary specimen to draw attention to its striking appearance and fragrance.
The fragrant yellow winter flowers of paperbush.
Different Types of Paperbush
‘Snow Cream’ is a large, umbrella-shaped shrub growing up to 8 feet high and wide. Fast-growing and hardy!
‘Gold Rush’ is great choice for bringing fragrant winter flowers to smaller gardens - it has a mature size of 5 feet tall and wide.
‘Grandiflora’ is a vigorous grower with larger flowers, popular in the UK and hard to find in the U.S.
‘Red Dragon’ ( also called ‘Akebono’) is a red-flowered cultivar and may be difficult to find.