Edgeworthia chrys. Grandiflora / C20

Supplied as: C20.

Overview

Edgeworthia chrysantha ‘Grandiflora’ (Paperbush) is a connoisseur’s shrub for late-winter and early-spring gardens, producing rounded clusters of softly fragrant, golden-yellow flowers on bare stems before the leaves emerge. Its silky, felted flower buds and bold, architectural branching make it a standout specimen in a sheltered border.

Key Features

• Late winter to early spring flowers on leafless stems for maximum impact
• Light, sweet fragrance and beautiful, tactile flower buds
• Architectural branching and large leaves for bold summer texture
• Exceptional for woodland-edge planting and sheltered courtyards
• Best as a specimen shrub where details can be appreciated up close

Best Position

• Sheltered site, out of cold drying winds
• Bright dappled shade or morning sun with afternoon shade (full sun is possible if soil stays evenly moist)
• Moisture-retentive but well-drained soil rich in organic matter

How to Plant

Prepare a generous planting hole and incorporate plenty of organic matter. Plant at the same depth as in the pot, firm in, water well, and apply a thick organic mulch annually. Avoid disturbing the roots once planted—choose the position carefully.

Care Tips

• Water in dry spells, especially in spring and summer of the first 1–2 years
• Mulch yearly to conserve moisture and protect shallow roots
• Prune minimally: remove dead or damaged wood after flowering only if needed
• In colder gardens, a sheltered microclimate improves flower reliability

Size & Growth

A medium shrub with a rounded habit over time; ultimate size varies with conditions, but it is typically in the 1–2 m range in height and spread. Growth is steady rather than fast.

Perfect For…

• Winter-interest planting schemes and fragrance gardens
• Woodland-style borders with rich, humus soils
• High-end gardens where subtle seasonal moments matter