Cephalanthus occidentalis – The Buttonbush
Cephalanthus occidentalis, commonly known as Buttonbush, is an unusual and eye-catching deciduous shrub that thrives in damp or wet ground. Native to North America, it is perfect for adding a touch of the exotic to wildlife-friendly and waterside gardens.
In midsummer, rounded flower heads resembling tiny pincushions or satellites appear in abundance. These creamy-white globes are rich in nectar, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators in large numbers. As the blooms fade, they are followed by decorative seed heads that persist into autumn, adding continued interest.
The glossy, dark green leaves form a dense, attractive backdrop throughout summer, before turning warm yellow in autumn. With its tolerance for heavy soils and seasonal flooding, Cephalanthus occidentalis is a superb choice for pond margins, streamsides, or low-lying garden areas where many other shrubs would struggle.
Why Choose Cephalanthus occidentalis?
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Unique Flowers – Unmistakable spherical blooms.
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Wildlife Magnet – Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
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Moisture-Loving – Ideal for boggy or wet soils.
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Autumn Interest – Seed heads and golden foliage.
Planting & Care Guide
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Position: Full sun to partial shade.
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Soil: Moist to wet, fertile soils; tolerates clay and seasonal flooding.
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Watering: Keep consistently moist; thrives with high water availability.
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Maintenance: Minimal pruning; remove dead or damaged stems in late winter.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.