Edgeworthia chrysantha - Japanese paper plant
Family Thymeleaceae

Description:

Scientists place the number of species in this genus between one and three. They are, or it is, native to Asia. However you count them, they are deciduous shrubs with multple stems in a cluster to about eight feet tall. White and yellow to red clusters of flowers appear at the tops of stems in late winter. Large, gray-green leaves appear after flowering. The stems have been used in the manufacture of paper. It is reported that all official documents in Japan are printed on paper made from this plant.

Location:

See this plant at the southeast corner of building 15.

Size:

Suckering shrub to about eight feet tall.

Care Instructions:

Light: part shade to shade

Water: moist, well-drained, not soggy, not drought tolerant

Soil: moist, well-drained, and acidic

Moist, well-drained soil is a challenge in Jacksonville. Our soils tend to one or the other. This is a very attractive plant for the ideal site, possibly best in the hands of an experienced gardener.