Cephalanthus occidentalis

The Cephalanthus occidentalis is a highly branched and unique bush with its summer flowering in creamy white pompoms, highly fragrant.

Also known as Buttonbush or Blackwood, this small bush has 10cm (3.9 in) long, deciduous, ovate, lanceolate, glossy leaves and medium green on grey-brown branches. In July, tubular flowers gathered in compact, creamy white pompoms, fragrant, with a diameter of 3cm (1.2 in), grow at the ends of the branches.

Originally from North America, this fast-growing bush can reach a height of 2 to 3m (6 ft 7 in to 9 ft 10 in) in any moist soil in a warm and sunny location. Early spring pruning involves removing dead wood and old branches.

Appealing to pollinators, the Cephalanthus occidentalis is ideal in marshy terrain or pond edges combined with Japanese irises, ligularias, astilbes and meadowsweets.