Cephalanthus occidentalis 'Fiber Optics' - First Editions® Fiber Optics Cephalanthus

Fiber Optics Button Bush is a native multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with a compact rounded habit and unusual round flower clusters resembling pincushions.  The foliage emerges red or copper and matures to a glossy dark green before turning copper again in fall.  glossy serrated green leaves.  The highly fragrant pincushion flower clusters are dove white and bloom in summer, followed by red red-brown fruits that last through winter.  Prefers rich, moist to wet and well-drained soils. 

Cephalanthus occidentalis is an excellent native replacement for butterfly bushes, and acts as a host plant for several types of butterflies and attractive moths.  It also provides late season seeds and nesting areas for birds.

MAINTENANCE NEEDS: Low maintenance.  Can tolerate any soil condition but dry.  No serious pest or disease issues.

LANDSCAPE USES:  Accents or Group Plantings, Borders, Woodland Gardens, Wildlife Gardens, Naturalized Areas, Pond Edges, Coastal Exposure, Urban Gardens, Foundational Plantings, and Hedges.

COMPANION PLANTS:  Sweet Flag, Ferns, Iris

IMAGE: Rufino Osorio (also known as Desmodium), Cephalanthus occidentalis, CC BY-SA 2.5, (2) Famartin, 2020-06-28 13 17 59 Buttonbush flowers along Old Dairy Road in the Franklin Farm section of Oak Hill, Fairfax County, Virginia, CC BY-SA 4.0, (3) Photo by F. D. Richards, Cephalanthus occidentalis Fiber Optics 'Bailoptics', 2018 photo

*As plants have ranges in appearance they may not appear as the images shown.