Sugar Shack Buttonbush
Cephalanthus occidentalis
In growth
JFMAMJJASOND
In bloom
JFMAMJJASOND
Planting Guide
| Spacing | 48-60 in apart |
|---|---|
| Planting depth | Crown at soil level. |
| Chilling hours | 800-1200 hours (Clifton Park winters easily exceed this). |
| Life expectancy | 20+ years |
| Growth rate | Moderate |
| Bed | China Town Garden |
Growing Conditions
| Sun | Full Sun - Partial Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | High |
| Soil type | Moist, humus-rich, poorly drained to well-drained soils. |
| Soil pH | 5.0 - 6.5 |
| Zones | 4-8 |
| Native status | Cultivar |
Appearance
| Type | Shrub |
|---|---|
| Leaf | Ovate (Egg-shaped) |
| Foliage colour | Glossy green. |
| Bloom | White. |
| Fruit | Nutlet. |
| Evergreen | Deciduous |
Root System
| System | Fibrous/Adventitious Systems |
|---|---|
| Morphology | Mixed Fine & Coarse |
| Function | Absorptive Roots (Lower Orders) |
| Propagation | Softwood cuttings in early summer, or from seed. |
Wildlife & Safety
| Attracts | Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and birds |
|---|---|
| Deer | Deer Resistant |
| Toxicity | Toxic to Humans & Pets |
| Edibility | Wildlife Only |
| Companions | Swamp milkweed, Joe-Pye weed, cardinal flower. |
Where it came from
| Grower | Proven Winners |
|---|---|
| Bought at | Kulak's Nursery |
Care
Water deeply and consistently, especially during dry spells; thrives in wet soils.
Maintenance
Prune in early spring to shape and encourage new growth, as it blooms on new wood.
Cleanup
Remove dead or broken branches in late winter.
Notes
Distinctive red fruit appears in fall and persists through winter. Sugar Shack is a compact cultivar from Proven Winners.