Buttonbush
The Buttonbush ( Cephalanthus occidentalis) is an unusual shrub with curious white pincushion flowers. It is found in the wild all over the United States, usually in swamps and moist areas. Growing up in rural Alabama, I remember seeing it in the woods behind our house. It doesn't garner much attention until the blooms make their appearance. Sources vary on the size of the plant. In the wild, it can get to 20 feet but in gardens, most likely under 12 ft. In my garden, it is about 4 feet tall after five years in the ground. It is located along the back fence in an area that doesn't get much supplemental water although I am working on the area and watering more often this year. The flowers have a slight honey-like fragrance. Bees love this plant! Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
Oh my Phillip, your garden is chucked full of luscious blooms. I love some of your combinations. Santa in summer is very good. The WOP is coming along quite nice.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lisa. We are a little gaga over the fuchsias here.
DeleteBeautiful as always. I often use your photos as a screensaver on my computer. Thank you
ReplyDeleteLooking amazing! Everything seems to have filled in so quickly! You have created an incredible transformation, Phillip.
ReplyDeleteYou seem to be right at home here in the PNW...
ReplyDeleteFantastic photos, I especially liked the opening combo vignettes. By the way, the steps are looking GOOOOD. Had nots seen any shots of it since you first started the project. Magnificent to see it now.
ReplyDeleteSo much to love! I really like the Giant Hyssop and the color of that Crocosmia. The Work in Progress looks fantastic.
ReplyDeleteWow! Your terraced beds are well on their way to becoming fantastic. I love Fuchsia 'Santa Claus!' I am jealous of all your healthy vibrant blooms; you can guess how blooms and gardeners are suffering in Alabama's July!
ReplyDeleteThose terraced beds are coming along nicely. Great combo, that Achillea with the Mexican feather grass.
ReplyDeleteWhat a luxurious display of blooms! Your first image reminded me of the kind of pictures I used to look at in books when I first started gardening. They set me dreaming about what might be possible and you certainly have achieved it.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteI'm a big fan of the Clematis viorna and the queen of the prairie.
ReplyDeleteHave you grown love-in-a-mist before? I grew it one year intentionally and had approximately a bazillion seedlings the next year. Not sure if it will behave the same in the PNW, but just warning you. It's a cute plant and easy to pull, but not sure if you want a whole garden full of it...
Aaron, I did grow it from seed in Alabama and it was amazing. I think it does reseed here as well. I will have to be careful.
DeleteYour photos of your beautiful flowers are fantastic. I was fascinated by the mimulus. I thuoght t he crocosmia I planted last year never sprang into life - but here it is this year. I am so happy.
ReplyDeleteAwesome! I have never seen some of the flowers above in the real. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful. Thanks for sharing your July collection!
ReplyDeleteThings are really coming along in your new garden. I also grow 'Marie Pavie.' A friend gave me one for two of our children's First Communions, and they just chug right along. Do you find it easier to grow things out there? I imagine it's much easier, but is there a lot of rain in winter? Thanks for sharing on Bloom Day. I didn't get my Bloom Day post up in time. ~~Dee
ReplyDeleteAbsolute heaven!! I really wanted to try to grow Love in a Mist but no success. Boo!
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