Edgeworthia chrysantha 'Snow Cream'
Snow Cream Paper Plant
Item #: 2246
Zones: 7b to 10b, possibly colder
Dormancy: Winter
Height: 96" tall
Origin: China
Pot Size: 3.5" pot (24 fl. oz/0.7 L)
This 2000 Plant Delights/JLBG introduction is one of the most prized plants in our garden. All summer, the 8' tall x 8' wide umbrella-shaped clump of this woody daphne cousin is composed of smooth, brown trunks, adorned with plumeria-like leaves. The foliage drops in mid-December to reveal both the wonderful bark and the large, silvery flower buds. The flower buds open steadily from mid-January to early April, producing an overwhelmingly fragrant display of pendent, golden yellow flowers. Edgeworthia chrysantha 'Snow Cream' is a triploid form that is much more winter hardy (below 0 degrees F) than the older diploid form which used to be sold as Edgeworthia papyrifera. The red-flowered 'Akebono' (Red Dragon) is sadly the much less hardy diploid form.
Maintenance:
Assuming you plant your Edgeworthia chrysantha 'Snow Cream' where it can get large enough, there really is little to do in terms of maintenance. You'll have a few leaves to rake when they finally drop, usually around mid-December.
Growing Conditions:
Edgeworthia chrysantha isn't overly picky about soil conditions as long as the drainage is decent. It's not nearly as picky as its first cousin, Daphne odora. Edgeworthia will thrive in both sun and light shade. We have found them to grow their best in 2-6 hours of sun each day, where the plants will have a much denser habit as well as far more flowers.
Natural Impact:
Edgeworthia chrysantha is a superb early season nectar source for honeybees.
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Other Attributes
Genus: Edgeworthia
Flower Color: Yellow/Gold
Leaf Color: Green
Container Role: Thrillers
Garden Themes: Cottage Garden Plants , Night Gardens
Other: Cut Flower Plants , Drought Tolerant Plants , Dry Shade Plants , Fragrant Flowers , Pollinator Plants , Plant Delights Introductions , Plants from China , Tropical Looking Plants , Plant Delights Creations and Discoveries , Tony's Favorites