Crimson Comet Buttonbush

Cephalanthus occidentalis 'SMCBM'

American Beauties®

Crimson Comet Pom Bush Delivers Showy Red Fall Color Plus Honey-Scented Pom-Pom Blooms
Thrives in Zones 5-9
Grows 6-8 ft Tall and Wide
Deer Resistant, Heat Tolerant
Native, Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Bees and Butterflies

$79⁷⁵

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Plant Size

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: For the most vibrant red color and abundant "comet" blooms, plant in full sun for at least six hours daily. While it handles partial shade well, you may see fewer flowers and slightly more open growth.
Soil: This shrub thrives in moist to wet soils and is a perfect solution for those "soggy spots" where other plants struggle. If you have heavy clay, add compost to help with drainage, but don't worry about keeping it too wet.

Watering Requirements

During the first year, provide one inch of water per week to help the root system settle into its new home. Once established, Crimson Comet is remarkably resilient in wet areas but needs supplemental watering during summer dry spells to prevent leaf scorch. If the soil dries out completely, the plant may drop its leaves prematurely to protect itself from stress.

Pruning Tips

This variety blooms on "new wood," which means the flowers grow on the fresh stems produced during the current season. The best time to prune is in late winter or very early spring before new growth begins. Think of this like a rejuvenating haircut: cutting it back by about one third encourages a flush of vigorous new branches and a larger crop of honey-scented blooms.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring as the buds begin to swell to fuel the season's growth. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer, as this encourages soft growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost. This helps ensure the plant enters dormancy healthy and ready for winter.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

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.

Showy Wildlife Crimson Comet Buttonbush

Excellent Flowering Display
White, Pom-Pom Blooms in Spring
Flowers Smell Like Honey
One of the Best Native Cultivars for Butterflies and Beneficial Pollinators
Fun Red Fruit Feeds Songbirds
Lush Foliage Provides Cover
Brilliant Red Fall Color
Thrives in Sun to Partial Shade
Great Screening Plant
Tolerates Wet Soil
Full Sun or Partial Shade
Can Be Kept in Large Containers for Many Years
Seldom Severely Damaged by Deer

How nice to rely on native shrubs in your garden design. Thoughtful choices are a boon for your local ecology, and modern cultivars deliver exceptional ornamental features.

A perfect example of this innovative trend is Crimson Comet Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis 'SMCBM'). This widely adaptable, bog tolerant shrub is truly an incredible native selection loaded with flowers and fruit for butterflies, bees and birds.

Start off your season with some of the cutest flowers you'll ever see. Spherical, honey-scented, spiky little globes cover the mid-toned foliage.

They deliver plenty of nectar for local pollinators. So much, in fact, you should consider planting Buttonbush near your annual Victory Gardens to pump up your yields!

Multi-stemmed, informal shrubs grow to a great height and can be kept shorter if needed. Simply take out a few of the tallest stems in early spring, trimming them right down to the ground.

This selection blooms on new growth, so you and the honey bees will have plenty on hand. In fact, you might sneak a few for unforgettable indoor cut flower arrangements.

Because Crimson Comet Buttonbush tolerates "wet feet'' in soil that stays damp, it is a great option for a planned Rain Garden. Use them in low-lying areas that are slow to dry out after rain, or near your downspout.

Like our plant experts say...choose the right plant for the right spot! Let Buttonbush grow into a showy screen at the back of a water feature.

Look closely and you'll spy hummingbirds...there to sip nectar from the spring blooms. Hummingbirds also eat their share of tiny "no see 'ums" that are enticed by the unusual flowers, too.

Lush growth gives birds lots of shelter. In fall, the blooms have morphed into showy, round red fruit. Each of these is simply loaded with seeds that native songbirds love to eat!

Even the foliage is pretty in fall! The lance-shaped leaves looked dipped in red rogue for welcome fall color.

Enliven your space with this top choice. Order Crimson Comet Buttonbush from our native shrub specialists today!

Botanical Name

Cephalanthus occidentalis 'SMCBM'
Class

Lamiales
Species

occidentalis
Cultivar

SMCBM
Growing Zones

5-9
Height

6-8 ft
Width

6-8 ft
Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade
Growth Rate

Moderate
Flower Color

White
Leaf Color

Green, Red
Fall Color

Red
Native

Yes
Fragrant

Yes
Bloom Period

Early Summer, Late Summer
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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Growing Zones 5-9

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the spacing requirements when planting Crimson Comet Buttonbush?

Space Crimson Comet Buttonbush 4-6 feet apart for proper air circulation and mature spread. This multi-stemmed shrub can reach considerable height and width when established. Plant closer for a dense screening effect, or farther apart to showcase individual specimens.

Does Crimson Comet Buttonbush grow in full sun, partial sun, or shade?

Crimson Comet Buttonbush thrives in both full sun and partial shade conditions. This adaptable native shrub performs well across different light exposures, making it versatile for various garden locations. Plant it where it gets at least morning sun for best flowering, available at naturehills.com.

What type of soil does Crimson Comet Buttonbush prefer, and can it handle wet conditions?

Crimson Comet Buttonbush thrives in wet soil conditions and actually tolerates "wet feet" better than most shrubs. This makes it perfect for rain gardens, low-lying areas that stay damp, or spots near downspouts. Plant it where other shrubs might struggle with poor drainage.

How do I care for Crimson Comet Buttonbush, including watering and maintenance?

Crimson Comet Buttonbush thrives in consistently moist to wet soil and tolerates flooding better than most shrubs. It needs minimal care once established and blooms on new wood. For maintenance, simply remove the tallest stems to ground level in early spring to control height and encourage fresh flowering growth.

When and how should I prune Crimson Comet Buttonbush?

Prune Crimson Comet Buttonbush in early spring before new growth begins. Since it blooms on new wood, cut the tallest stems right down to the ground to control height while maintaining flower production. Shop at Nature Hills for this low-maintenance native that rewards light pruning with abundant blooms.

Is Crimson Comet Buttonbush low-maintenance once established?

Yes, Crimson Comet Buttonbush is very low-maintenance once established. This native shrub tolerates wet soil conditions and is seldom severely damaged by deer. Simply remove a few of the tallest stems in early spring to maintain size and promote blooming.

How is Crimson Comet Buttonbush shipped, and what are the delivery guarantees?

Crimson Comet Buttonbush ships as a potted plant ready for immediate planting. We guarantee safe arrival and plant health upon delivery. Plant in spring through early fall for best establishment in your garden's wet or well-draining areas.

Is Crimson Comet Buttonbush deer-resistant or do deer eat it?

Crimson Comet Buttonbush is seldom severely damaged by deer. While not completely deer-proof, this native shrub's natural compounds make it less appealing to browsing deer than many other landscape plants. Plant it confidently in areas with moderate deer pressure.

What does Crimson Comet Buttonbush look like in winter or fall, including foliage color?

Crimson Comet Buttonbush produces brilliant red fall color before dropping its leaves for winter. As a deciduous shrub, it goes dormant and shows bare stems through the cold months. The red fall display makes it worth planting where you can enjoy the seasonal show from indoors.