Deciduous Shrub – Buttonbush

Buttonbush 

Botanical name: cephalanthus occidentalis 

Beginner friendly?: yes 

Average size at maturity: 3-20 ft in height with a 4-8 ft spread 

Hardy zone: zones 5-11 

Growth rate: grows 1-2 ft per year 

Foliage color: green 

Flower color: white 

Bloom time:  summer 

Pruning instructions: prune in the late winter/early spring right before the plant comes out of dormancy to maintain desired shape and size 

Propagation methods: propagate with cuttings during the fall and winter months 

Landscape use: borders, pollinator garden, background planting 

Special features: attracts pollinators, deer resistant, deer resistant, cold-hardy 

Light needs: 4-6 hours of sun per day 

Watering instructions: keep soil consistently moist but not soggy 

Fertilizing instructions : use a balanced slow-release fertilizer once a year in the early spring 

Best time to plant: spring, fall 

Best type of soil:  sand, loam 

Companion plants: swamp milkweed, cardinal flower, ironweed 

Toxicity level: toxic for humans and pets if ingested 

Invasive species: no