Buttonbush is a fast grower characterized by its round, white, spiky flowers and fragrant aroma.
Buttonbush grows best in wetlands or near rivers and is often used to prevent erosion.
The shrub requires full sun but may tolerate some shade.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Otherwise, buttonbush is extremely resilient in all types of temperatures and conditions.
It is important to note that the leaves of this plant are toxic to humans.
It often grows better in full sun exposure but it can be a delicate balance.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Shrubs planted where the sun readily dries out the soil will struggle to thrive.
Soil
Buttonbush is perfect for low-lying, wet areas where other plants may not grow well.
Water
These plants prefer wet conditions and do not tolerate drought.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
They can even grow in flooded areas.
When located in an ideal spot, watering may not be required.
They are heat-resistant, cold-resistant, and extremely resilient when faced with overly wet conditions.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
This makes them great for a wide range of climates.
Dry, arid conditions are not suitable for growing buttonbush.
Fertilizer
Buttonbush does best in nutrient-rich soil and will benefit from yearly fertilizing.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Add a slow-release fertilizer in the spring to encourage new growth and summer flowering.
Types of Buttonbush
Pruning
Because of its size, many people prefer to keep buttonbushpruned.
When left to grow untrimmed, the shrub takes on an irregular shape.
Wayward or scraggly branches can be trimmed away for a more manicured look.
If it becomes unmanageable, simply cut the shrub down to the ground in early spring.
Because it is such a fast grower, it will produce new growth very quickly.
Propagating Buttonbush
Buttonbush can easily be propagated through stem cuttings.
It is best done in the spring when new growth appears.
You will need a small pot, moist soil, rooting hormone, and a sharp knife.
Then follow these instructions:
How to Grow Buttonbush From Seed
Starting buttonbush from seed is simple.
You will need moist soil and small pots.
However, young, small shrubs or dwarf varieties can be kept in large pots.
Steer away from terra-cotta, as this material wicks away moisture and dries the soil.
Despite its adaptation to extremely wet soils, the pot should have drainage holes.
Once the shrub fills the container, tip it on its side to gently slide the shrub out.
Plant into a larger container or the ground in moist soil.
Overwintering
Because these shrubs can handle temperatures that dip below 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
they don’t need much extra care to survive cold winters.
Potted shrubs should be moved to a protected area.
These pests can cause misshapen, stunted, or yellowed leaves.
Remove problematic leaves for minor infestations.
Use other controls, such asinsecticidal soapfor heavier infestations.
This shrub does not attract diseases, though you may have a case ofbrown leaf spot.
The spots look like little spores that may enlarge into blotches.
How Long Does Buttonbush Bloom?
Though these flowers only last around three to four days, they offer plenty of visual interest.
What Do Buttonbush Flowers Look and Smell Like?
Buttonbush is known for its unique, perfectly spherical white spiky flowers.
Each floral sphere measures around 1- to 112-inch diameter and is packed with dense, tubular flowers.
The flowers emit a bit of a honey fragrance.
The smell of buttonbush blooms entices pollinators.
Give a slow-release fertilizer in the spring to encourage summer blooming.
The biggest problem is too little water.
Leaves Falling Off or Wilting
Leaf loss or wilting is a sign of drought.
Be sure to increase the amount of water the plant receives.
Despite its fast growth rate, buttonbush is not considered invasive.
Instead, it is often used near rivers or in wet areas to prevent soil erosion.
Buttonbush can reach up to 12 feet high and 12 feet wide.
However, dwarf varieties are available that only reach 4 to 6 feet high.
Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and songbirds all enjoy the blooms or seedpods of the buttonbush shrub.
It is also a host plant for titan sphinx moths and hydrangea sphinx moths.
Common Buttonbush.National Resources Conservation Service USDA.
