Edgeworthia chrysantha

[WimB]

A couple of days ago I received an Edgeworthia Chrysantha as a gift from a friend.

I read that it should grow in a sheltered spot in the shade, in acid soil....but others say it should grow in full sun and that the pH of the soil is of no importance?

I was wondering if anyone here, could give me some advise on the cultivation of this beautiful shrub!

[JohnLonsdale]

Hi Wim,

Here they grow beautifully in full sun, so I would suggest the same with you.  The more shade they get, the leggier they will be, and flowering may be reduced.  They do great in our slightly acid soil (pH 6), but that is not to say they require it.  We are close to the edge of its hardiness range here.  The first year in the ground they set loads of flower buds but they all abort in late winter, the second year a few do, after that they are fine.  If the winter is very cold they can lose some wood also.  The problem is desiccation - until the roots get below the freeze line, they can't take up water when the ground is frozen and the flower buds can't expand when they need to.  I have 5 plants of 3different clones of E. chrysantha and also 3 plants of E. papyrifera Akebana - the latter is smaller and orange flowered, and seems slightly less hardy, although I now have 3 established.  The first one lost all top growth the first winter and I thought it was done for, but it broke from the base the following summer.

Best,

J.

[johnw]

Wim  - I can't tell you much about growing Edgeworthia.  Here is a picture (no go, I'll email it to you) from Planting Fields Arboretum on Long Island , New York. It was growing in full sun with good drainage and a reflective stone mulch. 

We're going to try Akebono this year but I think we are both too cool and too cold for it.

We have had two nights with the threat of frosts which haven't happened.  Two more to go.  This would usually not be an issue here but Spring is 3 weeks ahead this year.

johnw - +4c

[WimB]

Thanks John and John 

I'll put it in full sun then, and since our soils is neutral to slightly acid too, that should be no problem!

[Carlo]

One of my all-time favorites (though I don't grow it now...). Never forget the first time I saw it blooming. Congratulations!