About
Cephalanthus occidentalis Sugar Shack ('Smcoss') is a compact, rounded deciduous shrub. In spring, its foliage begins with a reddish hue, transitioning to green by summer and possibly reverting to red in the fall before leaf drop. The plant produces small, fragrant flowers that are creamy white, with prominent yellow stamens, arranged in spherical clusters on stalks. These flowers are succeeded by red fruit.
About the genus
Cephalanthus comprises both deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs. Its small, aromatic flowers appear in round clusters.
Growing conditions
- 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
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 1-1.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
- Fragrance
- Flower
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Plant in neutral to acidic soil that is humus-rich and fertile. Prefers moist, well-drained soil, but can cope with some seasonal water-logging
- Pruning
- Pruning group 6
- Propagation
- Propagate by layering or semi-ripe cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free