Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Edgeworthia chrysantha ‘Akebono’
Chinese Paper Bush
- Family
- Thymelaeaceae
- Height
- 4 to 6 feet
- Width
- 4 to 6 feet
- Flower color
- Orange
- Foliage color
- Medium green
- Bloom time
- Late winter to early spring
- Light
- Partial shade to full sun
- Water
- Regular watering, especially during dry spells
- Maintenance
- Minimal pruning after flowering
- Growing zone
- 7 to 10
- Wildlife
- Attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies
About this plant
Edgeworthia chrysantha 'Akebono', commonly known as the Chinese Paper Bush, is a cultivar prized for its fragrant, spherical clusters of orange flowers that bloom in late winter to early spring, providing a welcome burst of color and scent when much of the garden is still dormant. This shrub typically reaches a height and width of 4 to 6 feet, forming a rounded, dense shape with narrow, elongated, medium green foliage that contrasts nicely with the bright flowers. 'Akebono' is also known for its unique peeling bark, which adds interest to the winter landscape.
Thriving in well-drained, fertile soil and preferring partial shade to full sun, it is relatively low-maintenance, requiring regular watering, especially during dry spells. Minimal pruning is needed and should be done after flowering to shape the shrub and remove any dead or damaged branches. 'Akebono' attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to garden biodiversity, and is deer-resistant, making it a good choice for gardens where deer are a concern.
Works well in
Shade Gardens · Fragrant Gardens · Winter Interest · Woodland Gardens
Companion plants
Fatsia · Skimmia · Tiarella · Camellia · Trillium · Lily-of-the-valley
Design tip
Warm orange flowers make ‘Akebono’ particularly effective in winter gardens dominated by cool greens and bare branches. A backdrop of deep evergreen foliage intensifies the unusual flower color, while its peeling bark continues to contribute texture before and after the fragrant blooms appear.
