Sugar Shack® Buttonbush

Cephalanthus occidentalis 'SMCOSS'

Proven Winners®

2024 Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Gold Medal Winner in Compact Dwarf Size
Thrives in Zones 4-10
Grows 3-4 ft Tall and Wide
Deer Resistant, Heat Tolerant
Native, Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Bees and Butterflies

$26¹⁴

Shipping calculated at checkout.

In Stock

Enter your ZIP code to check shipping availability.

Plant Size

Quart Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Aim for full sun, which means at least six hours of direct sunlight, to ensure the densest, most compact shape and the absolute best bloom production. It handles partial shade well, but insufficient light will cause the shrub to become leggy and produce significantly fewer of those wonderful, unique flowers.
Soil: This plant is wonderfully adaptable but truly prefers consistently moist to wet conditions, so don't worry if your location is naturally damp or holds water. If you have heavy clay that retains moisture, that works perfectly. For overly sandy soil, amend generously with compost or peat moss before planting to improve its water-holding capacity.

Watering Requirements

During the establishment period (the first full growing season), keep the soil saturated, watering deeply a couple of times a week in dry weather. Once mature, Buttonbush is surprisingly drought tolerant, but it is happiest when kept moist—remember it's naturally found near water. If the soil is allowed to dry out repeatedly, you will see stress in the form of smaller foliage and a less vigorous overall plant.

Pruning Tips

Sugar Shack® Buttonbush blooms reliably on new wood, meaning it produces flowers on the growth that emerges in the current season. You should do your major pruning in late winter or very early spring before new growth appears, which encourages the most compact habit. You can cut the entire plant back by one-third, or even cut it hard down to 6 to 12 inches to keep this dwarf variety tidy and maximize the number of fresh, blooming stems.

Fertilizer Needs

This shrub is not a demanding plant and generally does not require regular feeding, especially if planted in rich soil. If you feel a boost is necessary, apply a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10, only once in early spring as the new leaves emerge. What you must avoid is using high-nitrogen fertilizer late in the season; this encourages tender, new growth that will not have time to harden off before the first frost.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Native, Flowering, Fall Color/Interest, Wet Soils, Clay Tolerant, Ornamental Berries/Fruit, Attracts Hummingbirds, Attracts Butterflies, Attracts pollinators, Hedge/Screen, Non-invasive
Hardiness Zone	5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	3-4 ft
Width	3-4 ft
Watering Needs	High
Preferred Soil	Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Peaty, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Bushy, Spreading
Blooms In	Summer
Flower Color	White
Foliage Color	Green
Fragrant	Yes
Native	Yes
Pet Safety	Toxic to pets
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Botanical Name	Cephalanthus occidentalis 'SMCOSS'
Species	occidentalis
Cultivar	SMCOSS
Class	Lamiales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Cute as a button! The Proven Winners® ColorChoice® Sugar Shack® Button Bush PP#26543 (Cephalanthus occidentalis 'SMCOSS') is the newest Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Gold Medal Plant Winner in 2024! This little Buttobush variety provides the same stellar features as the traditional shrub but in a dwarf size!

Your Sugar Shack® Button Bush is a deciduous shrub that has a compact nature and rounded habit. The glossy, green foliage appears in spring, and each oval leaf shows up with a reddish hue. The coloring of the leaves slowly merges into bronze, adopting a lovely red and burgundy for autumn!

A thrilling treat arrives in summer when you will ever see some of the most unusual blooms in flower! The flowers appear as perfectly round, fragrant spherical blooms covered in tiny, pristine-white florets, with protruding, white spokes tipped in yellow! It's a one-of-a-kind sight to be sure!

Butterflies and bees will flock to your little balls of floral brilliance for their sweet scent, and birds will love the small, red seed balls that the unique blossoms transition to in late summer! But wait... there's more! Sugar Shack® still provides some winter interest with its attractive branches and sometimes twisting stems!

Landscape Application:

Plant Sugar Shack® Button Bushes near a water garden, Rain Garden or use as a border in a moist spot near a pond or low area in the yard as these lovely shrubs prefer moist conditions. However, this dwarf cultivar of the hardy US native shrub, Sugar Shack® can also manage some dry conditions once established!

Perfect screening hedges that will have the neighbors doing a double take, these award-winning flowering ornamentals provide seasonal privacy around your seating areas and poolside lounge chairs and will double as conversation pieces! Go ahead and pot up these 3-4 foot tall and wide shrubs for unique appeal anywhere!

This compact shrub grows naturally beautiful but is amenable to pruning if you so desire! Buttonbushes always provide interest, definition, and texture to the landscape, and this dwarf variety makes it possible to bring some of their charms to your home without needing a lot of space!

Colorful Spring & Fall Foliage
Glossy Green Summer Leaves
Fragrant Roud Summer Flowers For Pollinators
Red Fall Fruit For Birds
Unique Hedges, Screening, Foundation Plantings & Works Well In Containers

#ProPlantTips for Care:

This water lover tolerates almost anything thrown at it, except prolonged drought of course! You can plant in full sun or partial shade and Buttonbush will do just fine, in hotter climates of USDA planting zones 4 to 10, they can tolerate more shade.

Doing best in well-drained enriched soil locations and regular water. The good news is that there is almost no possible way you overwater a Buttonbush. They're known for how well they do in damp soil and even flooded areas! Standing water is no match for this plant's adaptability!

Pruning this dwarf plant won't be needed often, but you can prune these deciduous shrubs in the late winter or very early spring. Every few years, cutting the bush back near the ground with a sharp pair of shears in the late winter can revitalize it quite well. Or a less drastic version, known as renewal pruning, can be performed every 3-5 years too! Simply remove the oldest fattest stems as close to the ground as possible and let the younger shoots take over.

Full Sun to Partial Shade - Full Shade In Hot Climates
Well-Drained Soil Of All Types
Loves Average, Moist to Standing Water Locations
Prune Late Winter/Early Spring Or Renewal Prune Every Few Years
Very Hardy In Heat & Cold

Space-saving, showy, and fragrant, this native cultivar will be your newest goto ornamental to make the neighbors turn heads! With so little needed from you, but so much to gain, why not try a Proven Winners® Sugar Shack® Button Bush this year?

Free shipping

On all orders over $199
Plant Sentry™

Compliant guaranteed
Easy returns

Hassle free returns policy
Live Chat

Talk to a real person

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Sugar Shack® Buttonbush tolerate wet or soggy soil conditions?

Yes, Sugar Shack® Buttonbush thrives in wet and soggy soil conditions. This native shrub naturally prefers moist environments and is perfect for rain gardens, pond edges, or low-lying wet areas. Plant it in consistently moist to wet soil for best performance.

What are the light requirements for Sugar Shack® Buttonbush—full sun, partial shade, or both?

Sugar Shack® Buttonbush thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. This adaptable native shrub performs best with at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering. Plant in morning sun with afternoon shade in hot climates for best results.

Is Sugar Shack® Buttonbush deer resistant or prone to pest issues?

Sugar Shack® Buttonbush is generally deer resistant due to its native status and natural compounds that deter browsing. This compact 3-4 foot shrub rarely experiences significant pest problems once established. Plant in moist areas for best natural defenses.

How do I prune Sugar Shack® Buttonbush, and when is the best time?

Prune Sugar Shack® Buttonbush in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This compact shrub grows naturally beautiful and is amenable to pruning if desired. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches, and lightly shape as needed to maintain the 3-4 foot rounded habit.

Does Sugar Shack® Buttonbush produce attractive fall color or fruit?

Sugar Shack® Buttonbush delivers excellent fall color, transitioning from glossy green to bronze, red, and burgundy foliage. The unique spherical white flowers also develop into small red seed balls by late summer that attract birds. Shop at Nature Hills for this compact 3-4 foot native shrub.

Is Sugar Shack® Buttonbush a true native plant, and is it good for pollinators?

Sugar Shack® Buttonbush is a dwarf cultivar of the native US Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), maintaining the species' excellent pollinator value. The fragrant white spherical blooms attract butterflies and bees, while birds enjoy the red seed balls that follow. Plant in moist areas for best results.

Will Sugar Shack® Buttonbush survive in my zone if I'm on the edge of the hardiness range?

Sugar Shack® Buttonbush is a hardy US native that can tolerate borderline conditions better than most ornamental shrubs. Since it's naturally adaptable and can handle both moist and dry conditions once established, it has good survival odds. Plant in a protected spot with good drainage for winter.