Zones: 7b to 10b, possibly colder
Dormancy: Winter
Height: 96″ tall
Culture: Part Sun to Shade
Origin: China
Pot Size: 3.5″ pot (24 fl. oz/0.7 L)
This woody shrub, a close relative of daphne, boasts an impressive height and spread of 8 feet, forming an umbrella-shaped clump of smooth brown trunks and plumeria-like leaves all summer long. As winter approaches, the foliage drops to reveal both the plant’s striking bark and the large, silvery flower buds. These buds steadily bloom from mid-January to early April, producing an irresistible display of pendent, golden yellow flowers that fill the air with an overwhelmingly sweet fragrance.
What sets ‘Snow Cream’ apart from the previous diploid form of Edgeworthia papyrifera is its triploid nature, making it much more winter hardy and able to withstand temperatures below 0 degrees F. Unfortunately, the red-flowered ‘Akebono’ (Red Dragon) is the less hardy diploid form and pales in comparison to the cold tolerance and beauty of ‘Snow Cream.’
