How to Pollinate Paperbush

(Edgeworthia chrysantha)

Paperbush, also known as Paperbush plant

The enchanting paperbush employs a magnificent honey-like aroma to allure bees, its primary pollinators. These buzzing creatures are entranced by the plant's fragrant allure during its peak blooming time, typically in late winter to early spring. Powered by these diligent bees, pollination for paperbush occurs when they shuffle around the vibrant yellowish plumes, enabling the transfer of pollen from stamen to pistil.

Which Pollinators are Suitable for Paperbush?

Bloom Time

Early spring, Mid spring

Primary pollinators

Bees

Potential pollinators

Butterflies

How Does Pollination Occur in Paperbush?

The flowers of paperbush are fragrant and pendulous with scales and bracts forming a structure similar to a paper lantern. They contain numerous small florets, each with tubular corolla, opening at the top where anthers and stigma project outward.

The flowers of paperbush successfully get pollinated through the process of entomophily, i.e., insect-mediated pollination, which transports pollen from anther to stigma.

Plant disease auto-diagnose & prevention

AI-powered plant doctor helps you diagnose plant problems in seconds.

Download the App for Free

How Can You Enhance the Pollination of Paperbush?

Plant Diversity

Planting a variety of flowering plants with different flowering times can help ensure that pollinators are attracted to the area throughout the year. For bees and butterflies, choosing plants of different colors, particularly bright ones like yellow and purple, and different shapes can attract a diverse pollinator group.

Minimize Pesticide Use

Both bees and butterflies can be affected by the use of pesticides. As such, minimizing their use, especially during the flowering stage, can prevent harm to these primary and potential pollinators. Organic or integrated pest management strategies are advisable.

Water Source

Providing a shallow water source with half-submerged stones for landing can help attract bees and butterflies. These pollinators need to drink, and having a water source can keep them coming back to the garden or farm.

Shelter

Providing habitat or shelter for bees and butterflies can enhance pollination. This can be achieved by leaving some areas of the garden untouched with piles of fallen leaves and sticks or creating bee 'hotels'. It encourages them to dwell and return, boosting their efforts in pollination.

How Can You Determine if Paperbush has Been Pollinated?

Flower Formation

If pollination of paperbush is successful, a visible sign will be the formation of new flowers. These are typically yellow or white in color, with a bushy appearance.

Seed Formation

The primary sign of successful pollination in paperbush is the development of seeds. Once pollinated, the plant will produce seeds that can be easily seen in the center of the flowers.

Pollens Transfer

Pollination in paperbush involves the transfer of pollen from the anthers to the stigma. If the pollen is visible on the stigma, it's a sign of successful pollination.

Understanding Hand-Pollination in Paperbush

Difficulty

Normal

Duration

60 mins

What Tools are Necessary for Hand-Pollinating Paperbush?

Small Brush

A soft, small brush will be needed to manually transfer pollen from one flower to another.

Magnifying Glass

A magnifying glass can help in identifying the tiny parts of the paperbush's flowers.

Gloves

Disposable gloves can be used to prevent contamination and reaction to pollen.

What is the Optimal Time for Hand-Pollinating Paperbush?

The best time for hand-pollination of paperbush is generally in the mid-to-late morning, when temperatures have started to rise. This is when flowers tend to release their pollen. Furthermore, this specific task should be performed when the plant is in its flowering stage, commonly in late winter or early spring.

Steps to Hand-Pollinate Paperbush

Step1: Preparation

Put on the disposable gloves and ensure the small brush is clean. Identify the flower's pollen-producing parts, called anthers, which are usually yellow in color.

Step2: Gathering Pollen

Gently swipe the brush across the anthers of a flower, ensuring that you collect yellowish pollen on the bristles. This should be done cautiously so as not to disrupt any other part of the flower.

Step3: Transferring Pollen

Next, carefully move to the destination flower. Look for the stigma, a sticky receptive surface at the top of the pistil where the pollen needs to be deposited. Gently touch the bristles of the brush carrying the pollen onto the stigma. Ensure the pollen is transferred successfully before extracting the brush.

Step4: Repeat

Repeat the process with other flowers on the plant. Remember to ensure that the pollen is from the same plant species. Although paperbush is self-fertile, cross-pollination within the same species often yields better results.

Step5: Clean Up

When all desired flowers have been pollinated, dispose of the gloves and clean the brush for the future pollination tasks.

Why Aren't There Fruits on Paperbush Despite the Presence of Flowers?

Little to No Flowering

If paperbush is not flowering as expected, it may be due to inadequate pollination. Hand pollination or raising insects that serve as pollinators can help improve pollination.

Poor Seed Development

If seed development is poor, this could indicate unsuccessful pollination. Increasing the number of pollinators, or manually transferring pollen between flowers, could help.

Stunted Growth

If your paperbush is experiencing stunted growth, it could be a result of poor pollination. Hand pollinating the flowers, or introducing more pollinators to the area, might solve the problem.