Although it is a member of the Thymelaeaceae, the family that includes the daphnes, it would be hard to imagine a plant less like a daphne at first glance. However, if you are familiar with the deciduous Daphne genkwa, there is some hint of resemblance there.
The genus comprises three very similar species from China and Japan. It is named after Michael Pakenham Edgeworth (1812-81), a part-time botanist, plant collector and employee of the East India Company.
The plant grown in our gardens and sold in garden centres is commonly labelled E. papyrifera, which is actually a different species. There is some confusion over this, even among botanists. Apparently E. papyrifera has white flowers, not the yellow of E. chrysantha, though some botanists regard them variations of one species.
Edgeworthia chrysantha is a heavily-wooded deciduous shrub. It grows to around 1.2-1.8 m high by 1.5 m wide. Its 12.5-17.5 cm long, pointed oval leaves are soft green with prominent midribs and felted when young.
The foliage is attractive, especially when young, but this is a plant grown for its flowers. They are bright yellow aging to creamy white, tubular and about 1 cm long. Individually they are nothing much, but they are densely packed in 8 cm diameter globose heads. The are very fragrant and open until late winter from buds that have been obvious from late autumn.
The flowers are followed by dry, purplish-green berries known technically as drupes.
This is an often underrated shrub and I'd be the first to admit that it is not always instantly appealing. At first, its rather sparse growth and very heavy branches can seem grotesque. But with time these things tend to be overlooked in favour of the delicate colouring and fragrance of the flowers, and the beauty of the new foliage.
A moist, well-drained, humus-enriched soil with partial shade is best - the sort of conditions you would give your rhododendrons and camellias, or for that matter your daphnes. It is hardy to around -15°C and thrives in a cool temperate climate. Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings, aerial layers or seed.
Try Edgeworthia, it's not difficult to grow and although bare for much of the year it has its moment of glory when flowering, and definitely has that 'weird' appeal that makes it one for the collector.
I am a garden book author and horticultural photographer based in Christchurch, New Zealand. I run a stock photo library called Country, Farm and Garden (http://www.cfgphoto.com). This article may be re-published provided this information is published with it and is clearly visible.
Spring is coming fast and with it the colors of... Read More
Naturalized bulbs look beautiful in a wooded setting. You can... Read More
Gardening for wildlife has become quite a passion for me,... Read More
Backyard ponds are a great source of fun and enjoyment.... Read More
Can't wait to get back to the garden? Use this... Read More
Botanists are individuals who conduct extensive study on plant biology... Read More
If you are like most of us, there are two... Read More
Creating no dig gardens on top of the soil gives... Read More
Of the many types of materials that are available for... Read More
Many finer homes and businesses feature beautiful indoor and outdoor... Read More
There is a lot of concern about herbicides and what... Read More
When selecting furniture for their outdoor spaces, many people purchase... Read More
The average home can reduce their water consumption by around... Read More
Are you one of those home gardeners that don't know... Read More
Most of us regard a sundial as an attractive ornament... Read More
Everyone seems to love a secret -- and when the... Read More
One of the best ways to bring together the many... Read More
No matter how pleasant a garden is, it is not... Read More
Cattleya Care: a bit more in-depth.This month we are going... Read More
Specific humming bird migration patterns differ by species and habitats,... Read More
If you are planning to go on vacation, there are... Read More
"I have no plants in my house. They won't live... Read More
Whenever you decide to look for a butterfly house for... Read More
Planting a Rock Garden is a great alternative to the... Read More
Flower gardening is not only about the present, but can... Read More
As you shop around for outdoor furniture, you will notice... Read More
It is important when you start to plan a garden,... Read More
Set in a broad expanse of lush green lawn a... Read More
Camellias Named by Linnaeus in 1735 in honour of... Read More
If you enjoy making your yard as beautiful as it... Read More
It's quiet now.Gone is the constant chatter, whistles and meowing... Read More
How often you mow your lawn will depend on a... Read More
This is the time of the year that I keep... Read More
Did you know that you can send flowers many different... Read More
Pruning and deadheading are essential to proper rose care. Alas,... Read More
There are literally hundreds of types of roses that you... Read More
The ancient herb, Anethum graveolens or Fernleaf dill as it... Read More
If you appreciate plants that have no hesitation in boldly... Read More
Most gardeners and landscapers will agree almost unanimously that the... Read More
Think of cyclamen and the chances are that Mothers Day... Read More
If you are like most of us, there are two... Read More
Plant lovers and backyard enthusiasts are special people who will... Read More
Growing grapes in the backyard or garden can be a... Read More
Patio accessories can range from small to large and of... Read More
The first thing you need to do when deciding to... Read More
You may already have a garage or shed in your... Read More
To design a wild flower garden, you do not need... Read More
When starting a new plant from a leaf or stem... Read More
The first thing to look for is the plant's grade.... Read More
Nothing invites one to sit and enjoy a lovingly created... Read More
Parthenocissus tricuspidata is commonly known as Boston Ivy, Cottage Ivy,... Read More
Landscaping is a wonderful pastime enjoyed by many. It provides... Read More
If you love herbal teas, as I do, you know... Read More
Spring is coming fast and with it the colors of... Read More
An important addition to any British back garden, greenhouses are... Read More
Flowers are a favorite of many backyard gardeners. Thanks to... Read More
When choosing a new greenhouse for your garden there are... Read More
Every Garden can benefit from the addition of container gardens.... Read More
Known as "joy of the mountain," Origanum vulgare is commonly... Read More
I went out to feed the birds this morning -... Read More
The Adirondack chair is unlike any other chair every made.... Read More
Many people believe growing their flowers and vegetables organically is... Read More
Before planting, the plants must be prepared. The following suggestions... Read More
The shade garden can be exploding with color and texture.... Read More
The tomato is the most commonly grown vegetable in the... Read More
As the curtain of winter lifts, tulips are one of... Read More
Landscaping & Gardening |