Cephalantus
Discover the impressive Cephalanthus at Proven Winners®! This robust shrub flowers with striking, spherical white flowers that are a magnet for butterflies and bees. A strong choice that also performs well in moist soil.
Cephalanthus (buttonbush) – flower balls that bring life to the garden
Cephalanthus, also known as buttonbush, is a shrub that gives your garden a unique look. In summer, striking white, spherical flowers appear that resemble small spiky balls. They are not only decorative, but also attract butterflies, bees and bumblebees.
A shrub with a surprising story
Cephalanthus grows naturally along rivers and swamps in North America and Asia. There, the shrub can grow metres high, but in gardens it usually remains more compact. Depending on the species, the height varies between 1 and 3 metres. The fresh green leaves form a beautiful backdrop for the unusual flowers, and after the summer, small red-orange fruit balls appear, which remain decorative well into autumn. This means you can enjoy this shrub for several seasons.
Why you want this buttonbush
What makes the button flower so special is that it adorns places where other shrubs struggle. It thrives in moist soil and looks beautiful along ponds, ditches or in a wet border. It is also ecologically valuable, as the flowers are a real magnet for pollinators.
The Proven Winners® range includes Cephalanthus Sugar Shack®, a compact variety that grows to a maximum height of around 1.5 metres. Ideal for smaller gardens or borders, without compromising on flowers, berries and ornamental value.
Where does Cephalanthus feel most at home?
Cephalanthus prefers full sun to light partial shade, in moist, nutritious soil. Keep the soil well moist when planting, especially in the first few years. In larger gardens, the shrub can be used as a solitary plant or in groups, while Sugar Shack® is also suitable for compact spaces.
How to keep it strong and vibrant
This shrub is strong and easy to maintain. Ensure sufficient moisture, especially in dry summers, and apply a layer of compost or organic fertiliser in the spring to support growth. Light pruning in early spring keeps the shrub compact and healthy. Old branches can be removed to stimulate rejuvenation.
How Cephalanthus enriches your garden
Cephalanthus offers endless possibilities: as a solitary eye-catcher with its spherical flowers, in groups, along water, or as part of a bee-friendly and natural garden. With Sugar Shack®, even a small garden or border is now a good place for it to shine.
FAQ
Is Cephalanthus hardy?
Yes, Cephalanthus is hardy down to -25 degrees.
How big does Cephalanthus grow?
In nature, it can grow to over 3 metres tall, but in gardens most varieties remain between 1 and 2.5 metres. The Proven Winners® selection Sugar Shack® remains extra compact and usually does not exceed 1.5 metres.
When does Cephalanthus flower?
It flowers in summer, often in July and August. The white spherical flowers immediately attract bees and butterflies. These are followed by fruit balls that offer a beautiful red autumn colour until late autumn.
Where is the best place to plant Cephalanthus?
This shrub likes moist, nutritious soil and prefers full sun or light partial shade. It feels particularly at home near ponds, ditches or in wet borders.
Does Cephalanthus attract insects?
Definitely. The spherical flowers are real insect magnets and are visited by bees, butterflies and bumblebees.