Sometimes we all want that one curiosity in the garden to get people talking. That unique plant that’s a little… weird. A little…out of this world. But who needs an intergalactic trip when
there are many unusual plants native to the United States, and often your own backyard? And while Earth’s oddest plants can demand special care, these surprisingly widespread natives are easy to grow and will still wow:
Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis; Zones 4b–11) is a charming three-season shrub that will “make you believe.” A widespread East Coast to Midwest North American native with extant ranges dotted west toward California and south to Mexico, this shrub is found along wetland margins. Therefore it thrives in marshy, wet, clay conditions—but it tolerates more upland loam and moist garden soils, too. With its deep roots, buttonbush provides excellent erosion control for rain gardens, embankments, and low, pooling or washout-prone drainage spots and gullies. It grows in full sun or part shade.
This is a large shrub, reaching six to twelve feet tall and wide with a spreading, rounded habit. It can attain tree-like branching with age. Shiny, flame-shaped leaves emerge chartreuse in spring and age to medium to dark green and lengths of three to eight inches. The foliage makes buttonbush a beautiful screening plant, but its true space-age appeal comes midsummer, with the tiny, round, composite, pale-green buds forming at the end of branches. These soon explode into inch-round fuzzy, honey-scented white to shell-pink pompom flowers. Butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, children and adults are all drawn as if by a tractor beam to the oddball sight!
Esta historia es de la edición November - December 2023 de Horticulture.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición November - December 2023 de Horticulture.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
GAGA FOR GALANTHUS
As easy as they are irresistible, snowdrops boast a devoted and growing following
NEW PLANTS
Multiseason Marvels
BLUEBERRIES & CO.
Members of the genus Vaccinium provide sweet flavor, health benefits and beauty in the garden
AN ECOLOGICAL AGREEMENT
How three great minds think alike
Take It Indoors
Cs the growing season dwindles, _ potted cittus became a summer souuenir
ROOTED IN PLACE
LAYERING IS A PROPAGATION TECHNIQUE THAT TAKES A WHILE TO COMPLETE, BUT IT DEMANDS LITTLE EFFORT FROM THE GARDENER
AT HOME WITH PLANTS
Business travel and pleasure trips helped inspire this Cincinnati garden
THE GARDEN GOES DARK
Yes, gardens have their dark side. But-surprise! A garden's darkness can be good, not sinister.
LOW-WATER WONDERS
EXPLORE ONE PLANTSMAN'S DROUGHT-TOLERANT FAVORITES FOR EACH LEVEL OF THE GARDEN
Succeed With Succession- The best crops to plant throughout summer, plus how to time them right
The best crops to plant throughout summer, plus how to time them right. Once a crop like spring turnips or snap peas has finished, I tidy up the bed, amend the soil with a thin layer of compost and replant. Depending on the new crop, I may be sowing seeds or transplanting seedlings.