Fiber Optics Buttonbush
Cephalanthus occidentalis ‘Bailoptics‘
Plant Details
USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 4a-9b Find Your Zone
Plant Type: Deciduous Flowering Shrub
Height at Maturity: 5-6′
Width at Maturity: 5-6′
Spacing: 4′ for hedge; 8’+ for space between plants.
Growth Habit / Form: Bushy, Rounded
Growth Rate: Moderate to Fast
Flower Color: Creamy White
Flower Size: 1.5″
Flowering Period: Late Spring through Summer
Flower Type: Ball-shape, Indescribable!
Fragrant Flowers: Yes
Foliage Color: Green
Fragrant Foliage: No
Berries: Yes
Berry Color: Red
Sun Needs: Full Sun or Mostly Sun, Morning Sun with Dappled or Afternoon Shade, All Day Filtered Sun, Morning Shade with Evening Sun
Water Needs: Average
Soil Type: Clay (amended), Loam, Sandy (amended), Silt
Soil Moisture / Drainage: Consistently Moist
Soil pH: 5.0 – 7.5 (Acid to Slightly Alkaline)
Maintenance / Care: Very Low
Attracts: Visual Attention, Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Birds
Resistances: Deer, Disease, Heat, Humidity, Insect, Wet Soil
Description
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!
Landscape & Garden Uses
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
Growing Preferences
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.
Note: Find helpful advice from our experts under the Planting & Care tab above on desktop screens or below on mobile phones.
Plant Long & Prosper!
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I don’t have a lot of experience with this plant yet, but the Buttonbush arrived dormant and in great condition. I planted it right away and it has leafed out beautifully. It was chosen to fill a spot in a flower bed that stays rather moist all the time and is doing great so far!——————————–We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! Thanks for the great review! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG
The button bush was received very carefully packaged. It was well watered and healthy. Service was exceptional!————————–We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! Thanks for the great review! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG
Came in great shape. Planted it in sun in a wet place. Struggled a bit at first. Now coming around.—————————We are glad you are pleased! Beth | WBG
The buttonbush arrived quickly and was a delightfully large specimen. While it can be grown in normal moisture gardens, buttonbush is particularly useful for wet locations. Mine is in a water run, part of a bog garden.————————————–Thanks for the great review! We are so glad you are pleased! Beth | WBG
The shrub I received was large and very healthy!
It came packaged carefully and securely with no damage during transit.————————-We are so glad you are pleased! Beth | WBG
It came packaged carefully and securely with no damage during transit.————————-We are so glad you are pleased! Beth | WBG
I’m amazed at how large and healthy these plants were when they arrived. They were packaged extremely well. I’m looking forward to watching these plants grow in my garden.
Wilson Brothers never disappoints. I just finished ordering more plants from this company and I’m confident they will be just as beautiful as the other plants I’ve received.
Wilson Brothers never disappoints. I just finished ordering more plants from this company and I’m confident they will be just as beautiful as the other plants I’ve received.
My order was placed and delivered in Oct so it’s bare at the moment but a good size and healthy looking. Plant could not have been package better. I’ve order from Wilson Bros before and the previous plants have done well as I’m sure this one will too.—————————————-Hi Diana, Thanks so much for taking the time to provide your review of the Fiber Optics Buttonbush. We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! Thanks for the kind words and repeat business! 🙂
Beth Steele | Wilson Bros Gardens
Beth Steele | Wilson Bros Gardens

















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