Glossy Adina, Chinese Buttonbush

I grew this plant in Asheville, NC (6b) for several years. It wanted more sun than it had in the first location, so it leaned desperately...Read More over until I moved it to a place that had more sun. I was given the plant when it was quite small by a friend (my name is Adina). I enjoyed the flowers, but the foliage is really it's best feature. The foliage is finely textured and a very shiny dark green. It would probably be nice in floral arrangements.

Buttonbush started to look large and weedy after 7 years of growth in partial sun, despite pruning. It is late to leaf out and suckers q...Read Moreuite a bit. The flowers are cute but subtle and can be overwhelmed by the foliage. I removed it.

I like this plant for it's midsummer bloom, tolerance of shade, shiny clean foliage, deer resistance (so far) and bizarre flowers. To giv...Read Moree an idea of hardiness, it was rated zone 7, but has grown for 10yrs in St Louis zone 6a. But the severe winter of '13-'14 knocked it back severely, though is returning from the base. So to be safe, I'd say only root hardy to 6a.

From the Southern Living Gardening Book: This Chinese native looks much like our native buttonbush(Cephalanthus), but it's showier. Fragr...Read Moreant pink flowers that look like little pin-cushions appear atop the plant from late spring to late summer. The glossy, bronzy green leaves, similar to those of abelia, persist in to late fall. Grows 6-10 ft. tall and wide and needs fertile, well-drained soil. No serious pests or diseases.