Buttonbush

Customers often ask for plants that do well in wet conditions. Unfortunately, there are few plants that thrive in wet conditions but here is one that fits the bill!

The “Sugar Shack” Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) is an unusual shrub with striking white pincushion flowers that leave behind red fruit. The conventional U.S. native plant is found in the wild all over the United States, usually in swamps and moist areas. This particular variety is a more compact size for gardens.

The 4-foot high and wide shrub blooms in early summer. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds flock to the fragrant flowers that have a light honey scent.

This is an easy-to-grow shrub in average soils. The blooms appear on new wood so any pruning should be done in early spring.

Plant Facts

• Good for specimen plants, mixed borders, woodland gardens, hedges
• Easy to grow in moist soils
• Grows 3-5′ tall and wide
• Deciduous
• Partial to Full Sun
• Glossy green foliage
• White flowers
• Blooms in mid-late July
• Fragrant
• Cold hardy to -20 degrees (zone 4)
• Prune in early spring
• Attractive to bees, butterlies and hummingbirds
• Burgundy fall foliage