Landscaping & Gardening Information

Edgeworthia Chrysantha


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.


MORE RESOURCES:

Calendar for Sept. 4
Milpitas Post, CA - Sep 3, 2008
... event planning, facilities planning, fundraising, grant writing, graphic design, and landscaping/gardening. The Wildlife Center, located in San Jose, ...


Western Trade Days lengthens schedule
Denton Record Chronicle, TX - Aug 21, 2008
The once-monthly sale in Tioga, which began its season in June, will now be available through November, adding a couple extra months to the itinerary. ...


Tight economy trims home landscaping plans
One Bakersfield, CA - Aug 11, 2008
If you've put off buying new plants for your home landscape, you're not alone. Nursery operators say the spring season was slower than average. ...


Native landscaping and rain gardens to be discussed Friday
Spooner Advocate, WI - Aug 6, 2008
Sarah Boles and Mary Jo Gingras will present another installment of the “Women on the Move†series at noon on Friday at Redbery Books in Cable. ...


Price back in the saddle as agricultural extension agent
Palestine Herald Press, TX - Aug 16, 2008
If you love flowers, plants, landscaping, gardening this may be your organization. The Anderson County Master Gardeners will host a training class beginning ...


Circle Named After President Akufo-Addo
Graphic Online, Ghana - Aug 18, 2008
He said GT contributed by constructing the six-feet bronze monument, landscaping, gardening, fencing and the lightening of the circle, and expressed the ...


Calendar for Aug. 7
Milpitas Post, CA - Aug 6, 2008
... event planning, facilities planning, fundraising, grant writing, graphic design, and landscaping/gardening. The Wildlife Center, located in San Jose, ...


Calendar for Aug. 14
Milpitas Post, CA - Aug 13, 2008
... event planning, facilities planning, fundraising, grant writing, graphic design, and landscaping/gardening. The Wildlife Center, located in San Jose, ...

Landscaping-Gardening - Google News

home | site map
© 2006