Edgeworthia chrysantha Red Dragon (Paperbush)

A welcomed sight in the winter garden, Edgeworthia chrysantha ‘Red Dragon’ (Paperbush) is a bushy, suckering, deciduous shrub, prized for its luminous, rounded inflorescences, 2 in. across (5 cm), packed with fragrant, silky orange-red flowers (up to 40 per flower head). Blooming on naked stems over long periods, at least 4-6 weeks in late winter and early spring, they open from silvery flower buds

A welcomed sight in the winter garden, Edgeworthia chrysantha 'Red Dragon' (Paperbush) is a bushy, suckering, deciduous shrub, prized for its luminous, rounded inflorescences, 2 in. across (5 cm), packed with fragrant, silky orange-red flowers (up to 40 per flower head). Blooming on naked stems over long periods, at least 4-6 weeks in late winter and early spring, they open from silvery flower buds that begin to form in late summer and are ornamentally attractive in fall and winter. In the summer, the plant is covered in beautiful, narrowly oval, dark blue-green leaves, 6 in. long (15 cm), with silvery undertones. In fall, the leaves drop to reveal a wonderfully structured plant that develops sweet-smelling winter flowers. Superb in shape and form, Paperbush is a wonderful plant to combine with shade-tolerant evergreens and wildflowers.

  • Grows up to 4-6 ft. tall and wide (120-180 cm).
  • Full sun or light dappled shade lover, this plant is easily grown in humus-rich, loamy, well-drained soils. Protect from strong winds.
  • Perfect as a specimen plant, for shrub borders, foundation plantings, or containers.
  • Virtually pest and disease free.
  • Propagate by root greenwood and semi-ripe nodal stem-tip cuttings in summer in free-draining compost.
  • No routine pruning necessary. Remove diseased, damaged, congested or crossing shoots. .
  • Native to China.

Requirements

Hardiness 7
– 10

Heat Zones 8
– 10

Climate Zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Edgeworthia – Paperbush
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early)Winter
Height 4'
– 6'
(120cm
– 180cm)
Spread 4'
– 6'
(120cm
– 180cm)
Spacing 48″
– 72″
(120cm
– 180cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Average
Soil Type Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage