Shrub
Buttonbush
Cephalanthus occidentalis
Varieties We Carry
StandardCephalanthus occidentalis
Sizes & Pricing
3 galFrom$19.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 9.
LightFull Sun, Part Sun
WaterHigh
Mature size4-10 feet × 6-8 feet
About Buttonbush
Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) is a native deciduous shrub found across eastern North America in swamps, pond margins, and stream banks, recognized by its distinctive spherical white flower heads that resemble pincushions and attract an exceptional diversity of pollinators. Its glossy foliage and aquatic adaptability make it valuable for rain gardens and wet naturalized areas. Starting at $19.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring, Summer
- Flower Color
- White
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Clay, Acidic, Wet
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. New foliage emerges. Good planting window.
Bloom season. Higher water demand in summer heat.
Foliage may begin to change or drop. Ideal planting window.
Dormant — drops foliage.
Care essentials
Light
Best in full sun to part shade. In NE Florida, site near ponds, rain gardens, or low wet areas — it thrives with consistently wet to saturated soil and will not perform well in dry upland sites.
Water
Requires consistently moist to wet soil; tolerates standing water and periodic flooding. Ideal for stormwater ponds, bog gardens, and pond margins in NE Florida. Supplemental irrigation is needed during drought if not planted at a wet site.
Soil & Fertilizer
Adaptable to a wide range of soils including clay, sand, and loam as long as moisture is consistently high. No special fertilizer needed for established plants; avoid high-phosphorus fertilizers near water bodies per Florida Best Management Practices.
Similar needs
Fetterbush
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Summersweet
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Swamp Titi
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Alligator Flag
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, high water, loam, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
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American Hornbeam
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, high water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
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American Snowbell
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, high water, loam, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $59.95Same conditions
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Common questions
Is Buttonbush a good plant for St. Augustine?
Buttonbush is a shrub for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 4-10 feet × 6-8 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed June 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.