Edgeworthia chrysantha Red Dragon Akebono - Paperbush

Edgeworthia chrysantha Red Dragon, or paper bush, is a small bush native to Asia, with curious reddish-orange flowers in late winter.

Edgeworthia chrysantha is a close relative of Daphnes, belonging to the family Thymelaeaceae. Its flowering is absolutely remarkable: small tubular, reddish-orange flowers gather in spherical umbels hanging at the end of bare branches from February to March. The whole thing looks remarkably like lanterns stretched out as a tribute to the upcoming spring. Their fragrance is reminiscent of cloves. Its silver bark and highly branching, bushy habit give it an architectural silhouette that immediately positions it as an ornamental bush. Its branches always fork in threes. At maturity it reaches an average height and width of 1.20m (3 ft 11 in). The upper surface of its leaves is dark green while the underside is greyish green. It can be exposed to full sun or partial shade. It tolerates all types of soil but prefers moist and well-drained. Therefore, remember to water it regularly. It can withstand temperatures of -10 to -12°C (14 to 10.4 °F) but thrives better under mild climates.

Also known as Mitsumata or paper tree, the Edgeworthia chrysantha is used in Japan to make high-quality paper from its branches: washi. The obtained pulp gives the paper a unique texture and resists the effects of time, humidity, and insects.