Fiber Optics Buttonbush (Cephalanthus Occidentalis ‘Bailoptics’) – 3 Gallon Pot

Sporting unusual flowers that look like as though they’re of extraterrestrial origin, ‘Fiber Optics’ is actually a new and improved more compact version of a North American native flowering shrub that will grow almost anywhere in America (USDA Zones 4a-9b), and in almost any conditions: wet or dry soil, sun or part shade. Growing much fuller than it’s larger cousins and to only 5 to 6 feet tall and equally as wide, Fiber Optics is a much better fit for smaller gardens and landscape spaces. Though happy growing on dry slopes, this buttonbush is equally happy in consistently moist to even boggy soil, making it a perfect selection for filling and beautifying those low-lying landscape areas that tend to never want to dry out!

A shrub that provides four-season interest, after the attractive, oval-shaped, glossy green leaves of Fiber Optics Buttonbush emerge in spring, loads of spherical, fragrant, inch-wide, creamy white flowers covered with numerous fiber optic-like pistils emerge at the ends of almost every stem on the plant. Not only will your guests will be mesmerized by the unique and unusual flowers, the hummingbirds and pollinators will thank you for the nectar source. Many species of waterfowl, such as ducks and loons, will enjoy the dark-red, seed-filled fruits that follow the flowers. To close the season the leaves turn yellow to red in fall before dropping to show off the twisted branches and stems that provide winter interest in the garden.

Because of its adaptability, uniqueness, low-maintenance, and contributions to wildlife, we consider the Fiber Optics Buttonbush as one of those “must-have” and easy-to-grow plants for the garden that anyone can grow!

Growing 5 to 6 feet tall and equally as wide, the Fiber Optics Buttonbush is ideal for use as a specimen, grouping, or natural hedge in sunny to partially shaded landscape or flowering shrub and woodland borders that keep a consistently moist soil. That said, it does equally as well on dry slopes. Plant one close to the house near a window or entryway where the unusual flowers and fragrance can be enjoyed from up close. Plant additional plants by a favorite path or sitting area. A fine addition to fragrance gardens, rain gardens, white theme gardens, cottage gardens and North American native plant gardens and wildlife habitats. 

Suggested Spacing:  4 feet apart for hedge;  8 feet or more for space between plants

The Fiber Optics Buttonbush is exceptionally easy to grow in a most any consistently moist to even dry soil of average fertility and sun to part shade. This makes it a perfect choice for a low lying spot in the garden that just doesn’t seem to ever dry out. We’ve seen no serious insect or disease problems. No pruning necessary but plants respond well to it.

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