Chinese paper tree leaves are shriveling - Ask Extension
I have had a Chinese paper tree for a number of years. It's been healthy and growing and has beautiful leaves and fragrance. However, in the last mo...
Knowledgebase
Chinese paper tree leaves are shriveling #799160
Asked July 02, 2022, 4:54 PM EDT
I have had a Chinese paper tree for a number of years. It's been healthy and growing and has beautiful leaves and fragrance. However, in the last month or so, the leaves have been shriveling and it looks like the tree is dying. The trunk and main branches remain green inside, but I can't figure out what is going on, or what I might be able to do to help the plant. We dug around the roots to see if the tree was being 'choked' by its roots, but that doesn't seem to be the case. Do you have any insights to share with me? I know we had an extremely wet May and June and wonder if this contributed to the current situation. Thanks so much for any help you can provide.
Multnomah County Oregon
Expert Response
Paper bush, Edgeworthia chrysantha is known to be susceptible to root rot, and the wet growing conditions of this year makes root rots generally more common. Collapse and death often seems sudden when warm weather arrives and the already damaged roots are unable to support the plant.
This is a good time to review correct planting techniques, as you remove this shrub and choose another. This publication from WSU covers the basics. Note that digging a wide hole and keeping the plant high enough for the root flare is critical. As you remove the paper bush, clear off the roots and trunk, looking for circular roots and the flare. If you find anything unusual on your “post mortem”, share photos here. Maybe we can help you understand what happened.
This is a good time to review correct planting techniques, as you remove this shrub and choose another. This publication from WSU covers the basics. Note that digging a wide hole and keeping the plant high enough for the root flare is critical. As you remove the paper bush, clear off the roots and trunk, looking for circular roots and the flare. If you find anything unusual on your “post mortem”, share photos here. Maybe we can help you understand what happened.
