Nepalese Paper Bush
Edgeworthia gardneri

Family: Thymelaeaceae

What it is like

Edgeworthia gardneri is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from February to April. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 2

Where it is found

Forests and shrubberies to 3000 metres.

E. Asia - S. China to the E. Himalayas.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 2

A high-class paper is made from the bark. The bark fibres are used. This species is said to be the best of the various species that are used to make hand made paper in the Himalayas. The stems are extremely supple and can be tied in knots.

Paper: Related to the entry for Fibre, these plants have been specifically mentioned for paper making.

String: Plants that can be used for string or can be easily made into a string. See also Fibre. Plants for ropes may be included.

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Succeeds in any soil in sun or part shade, growing well in light woodland. Prefers a well-drained soil with plenty of moisture in the growing season. Very closely related to and scarcely distinct from E. chrysantha and E. papyrifera. This species is more tender than E. chrysantha. It is reliably hardy to about -5°c, but it can tolerate temperatures down to -15°c if growing in a well-drained soil in a sheltered position. The flowers are damaged by frost so the plant is best grown on a south or west-facing wall. Plants resent root disturbance and should be put into their permanent positions as soon as possible. This species is cultivated in the Himalayas for the paper that can be made from the bark. The stems are harvested every second year for this purpose. The flowers diffuse a pronounced clove-like perfume and will scent the air to some distance on a calm day.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Place the pot in a plastic bag to keep it moist. The seed might germinate in the spring, though it could take another 12 months. Stored seed usually requires 8 - 12 weeks warm stratification at 20°c followed by 12 - 14 weeks at 3°c. Germination can still take 12 months or more at 15°c. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle, and grow on in a greenhouse for at least a year before planting out in late spring or early summer. Consider giving the plants some protection from the cold for their first winter outdoors. Cuttings in spring. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 7-10

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Daphne gardneri.