Paperbush (Edgeworthia chrysantha), does best in partial shade. Your branches look more than a little wilted, the curling and crispness you describe, seem to indicate a dying bush. Edgeworthia have very few diseases or insect problems. You can try to prune out the damaged parts of the plant and see if the other will recover.

If you have inspected the leaves and see no sign of insects or other damage, the problem may be underground, although again they are pretty disease-resistant. You may want to do a soil test if you did not have one when you planted the shrub.

The following link gives you information on obtaining and submitting a soil sample.

https://durham.ces.ncsu.edu/2020/05/nows-the-perfect-time-to-test-your-soil/

The recent intense heat and sun may be the cause of the plant's inability to recover. You could try to put some form of protection from the intense

sun. Another option would be to submit the affected portions of the shrub to the disease clinic in Raleigh or bring it to the extension office for evaluation.

The following gives you information on bringing samples into the extension office or submitting a sample to the disease clinic.

This is the information from the state Plant, Disease, and Insect clinic.

https://pdic.ces.ncsu.edu/submitting-samples-from-a-tree-or-shrub-in-the-landscape/

https://pdic.ces.ncsu.edu/submitting-samples-from-a-tree-or-shrub-in-the-landscape/

I am including a link to more information on Paper bush from the NC State Toolbox. Click here to see that information.

Wanda

Durham County Extension Master Gardener