Overview

Cephalanthus occidentalis is a bushy shrubs in the genus Cephalanthus, part of the Rubiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1.5-2.5 metres tall and 1.5-2.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Cephalanthus occidentalis grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, city and courtyard gardens, low maintenance and flower borders and beds.

About

Cephalanthus occidentalis, commonly known as button bush, is a deciduous shrub belonging to the Rubiaceae family. It grows bushy and reaches a height and spread of 1.5 to 2.5 metres over 5 to 10 years. This cultivar thrives in full sun with a south or west-facing aspect and adapts well to both exposed and sheltered locations. It prefers moist but well-drained loam or sandy soils with acid to neutral pH. Low maintenance, it provides seasonal interest throughout summer, autumn, and winter.

About the genus

Cephalanthus is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae. There are five extant species that are commonly known as buttonbush.

Wikipedia contributors, "Cephalanthus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cephalanthus

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Cephalanthus

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

South-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Cephalanthus occidentalis size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Shrubs

Habit

Bushy

Foliage

Deciduous

Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Time to full height

5-10 years

Suggested uses

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

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Cephalanthus occidentalis

Propagation

Semi-ripe cuttings

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions