Sugar Shack Fragrant Dwarf Buttonbush – Cephalanthus Occidentalis – 3 Gallon Pot

A North American native flowering shrub that anyone can grow, almost anywhere in the continental United States (USDA Zones 4a-10b), buttonbush has long been prized by American gardeners but its size was just too big for many gardeners landscapes. That has changed with the arrival of ‘Sugar Shack’, a new dwarf Cephalanthus cultivar that grows to only half the size of the original. Sugar Shack produces the same unique flowers that look like white gumballs surrounded with with fiber optic wires, which might make one wonder if there was extraterrestrial involvement in its breeding… or if it shot down to Earth from outer space to plant itself in a new world:-) Add in glossy leaves and red fruits that follow the fragrant flowers and you’ve got a fascinating plant that captivates but a human audience and butterflies, hummingbirds, other pollinators and other birds from spring through fall!

Growing 3 to 4 feet tall and wide, the Sugar Shack Buttonbush is ideal for use as a specimen, grouping, or natural hedge in sunny to partially shaded landscape or flowering shrub and woodland borders that keep a consistently moist soil. Plant one close to the house near a window or entryway where the unusual flowers and fragrance can be enjoyed from up close. Plant additional plants by a favorite path or sitting area. A fine addition to fragrance gardens, rain gardens, white theme gardens, cottage gardens and North American native plant gardens and wildlife habitats. 

Suggested Spacing:  3 feet apart for hedge;  7 feet or more for space between plants

Buttonbush is exceptionally easy to grow in a most any consistently moist but well-drained soil of average fertility and sun to part shade. This makes it a perfect choice for a low lying spot in the garden that stays moist. We’ve seen no serious insect or disease problems and plants will tolerate short dry periods when established. No pruning necessary but plants respond well to it.

Note:  Find helpful advice from our experts under the Planting & Care tab above on desktop screens or below on mobile phones.