Shrub
Paperbush
Edgeworthia chrysantha
Varieties We Carry
StandardEdgeworthia chrysantha
Sizes & Pricing
3 galFrom$59.95
10 galFrom$160.00
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 11.
LightPart Shade
WaterModerate to High
Mature size4-6 feet × 4-6 feet
About Paperbush
Paperbush (Edgeworthia chrysantha) is a deciduous shrub native to the Himalayas and China, prized for its pendant clusters of fragrant, silky-white flowers that emerge from silver-haired buds on bare stems in late winter. The bark has historically been used in Japan for fine paper and currency production. Starting at $59.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Winter, Spring
- Flower Color
- White, Yellow
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- Loam, Rich, Acidic, Moist, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. New foliage emerges. Good planting window.
Active growing season.
Foliage may begin to change or drop. Ideal planting window.
Bloom season. Dormant — drops foliage.
Care essentials
Light
Paperbush requires part shade to deep shade in NE Florida zone 9b; afternoon sun causes wilting and leaf burn in summer heat. Ideal placement is on the north or east side of a structure or beneath the high canopy of deciduous trees where it gets bright filtered light.
Water
Keep soil consistently moist—paperbush does not tolerate drought or dry sandy soils. Water regularly during the growing season and do not allow the root zone to dry out between irrigations. Heavy mulching is essential to retain moisture and moderate soil temperature in Florida's heat.
Soil & Fertilizer
Amend sandy Florida soils heavily with compost or leaf mold to create the humus-rich, moisture-retentive conditions paperbush demands. Maintain a slightly acidic pH. Apply a slow-release acidic fertilizer in early spring before the new flush of leaves. Avoid fertilizing in summer or fall in zone 9b.
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Common questions
Is Paperbush a good plant for St. Augustine?
Paperbush is a shrub for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 4-6 feet × 4-6 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.