Cephalanthus Magical Moonlight
Cephalanthus Magical Moonlight photo courtesy of Plants Nouveau

Buttonbush

Buttonbush is a wonderful native plant that is very attractive to pollinators and birds.  In late spring, hundreds of tiny tubular flowers are packed into showy flower heads. Butterflies and other insects find the intensely sweetly fragrant flowers irresistible. Later in summer, the flower heads mature into golf ball sized, round fruits, each containing enough nut-like seeds for birds to feast on. This new selection adapts to many soils except dry ones and is great for planting around ponds and in naturalized, wet areas. It thrives in bogs and wet environments.

  • Height: 1.2 m (4 ft)
  • Spread: 1.2-1.5 m (4-5 ft)
  • Hardiness: Zone 4-8
  • Sun or Shade: minimum four hours of direct sun (prefers afternoon shade)
  • Bloom Time: early summer
  • Leaf Colour: green
  • Bloom Colour: white
  • Nature Attraction: bees, butterflies and birds

Growing and Maintenance Tips

Cephalanthus is easy to grow in moist, organically rich soils in full sun to part shade. It grows well in wet soil, including seasonal flood conditions and shallow standing water. Pruning is usually not necessary, but may be done in early spring to shape.

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