Edgeworthia chrysantha – an annual pilgrimage
A particular plant that I have sought out year after year on the lower slopes of Battleston Hill, the woodland gardens at RHS Wisley, though there are others (against the House, by the water lily canal and the red-flowered form further on into the woodland).
Felt-grey padded chrysanthemums, each no bigger than a fingertip, on bare stems – these transform to become dense, nodding fragrant yellow flowers clothed on the outside with silky hairs. Apparently it is used in Japan for high-grade bank note paper.
A plant for a sheltered spot, a mild climate, not too hot and not drying out in a warm summer either. I much prefer the yellow form but for red-orange flowers, look out for ‘Red Dragon’.
http://www.rhs.org.uk/Gardens/Wisley/About-Wisley/Plant-of-the-month/February/Edgeworthia-chrysantha
The Teddington Gardener 