Cephalanthus occidentalis

RHS Plant Profile
button bush

Other common names

button willow, globe-flowered bush, honeybells, little snowballs, swamp globeflower, white pond-dogwood

Shrubs

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

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Rubiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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

Take semi-ripe or hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Pruning group 6

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free