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Shrubs
Cephalanthus occidentalis
button bush
An open-branched, deciduous bush or small tree. The oval leaves are up to 18cm long, and the young stems are often red-flushed. Small, scented, creamy-white, tubular flowers are carried in dense balls 1.5cm across in late summer or early autumn
Other common names
button willowglobe-flowered bush
see morehoneybells
little snowballs
swamp globeflower
white pond-dogwood
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Red | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red | Cream | Green | |
| Autumn | Cream | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Rubiaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Foliage may cause severe discomfort if eaten. Wear gloves and wash hands after handling
- Genus
Cephalanthus are deciduous or evergreen trees and shrubs. The small, fragrant flowers are carried in spherical clusters
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- N America
How to grow
Cultivation
Needs fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained, neutral to acid soil in full sun
Propagation
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- City and courtyard gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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