Buttonbush is a flowering plant in the Cephalanthus genus of shrubs. About six species in this genus are commonly referred to as buttonbush. Native to parts of North America, this plant commonly grows as a deciduous shrub or small tree.  History In the mid-1700s, buttonbush was introduced commercially for beekeepers.  The shrub, or small tree, … Read more

A species in the Ruscus genus, this is a low-growing, evergreen shrub. Butcher’s broom has become a widespread and popular garden plant. This perennial, with insignificant, greenish-white flowers, has attractive autumn berries which are bright red.  History This plant’s rather unusual name originates from its former use. The Ruscus shrub bears stiff, flat branches that … Read more

Buddleia davidii is one of around 140 recognized species in the Buddleia or buddleija genus and is the most well-known. Native to China and Japan, this is a widely grown ornamental plant. This perennial, also commonly known as the butterfly bush, is grown for its abundance of long purple flowering racemes, and fast-growing habit. Butterfly … Read more

Buttercup bush is a member of the passionflower family in the turnera genus. It is a low-growing shrub with long-lasting, cheerful yellow flowers.  Sometimes it is considered a weed, as it is fast-growing and has a tendency to spread. Native to the Caribbean, this plant can flower year-round in the right growing conditions. This perennial, … Read more

Convolvulus is a genus of plants, most species of which grow wild, as a vine, and suffocate surrounding plants. Bush morning glory, Convolvulus cneorum is different. This is a shrub, low-growing, and evergreen.  Probably native to North America, this plant has long naturalized in Mediterranean regions of Europe and will establish itself even in between … Read more

Cytisus scoparius (common broom) is a deciduous, flowering, perennial shrub. The name “broom” is also given to other plants in the Genisteae tribe, such as the French broom and Spanish broom.  Native to northern Africa, and western and Central Europe, this plant commonly grows in heathland, shrub, and woodland. This perennial, also known as the … Read more

Bush lemon is a large shrub or small tree with evergreen foliage, and it’s also known as rough lemon. This naturalized plant grows in many parts of the world, but especially in Australia, where it is used to make lemon butter.  It isn’t a true lemon, but a citrus hybrid. Rough lemon fruit is a … Read more

Berberis is a large genus of thorny shrubs with around 500 recognized species. This plant is a global resident, thriving in temperate and subtropical areas across the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Africa. In certain regions, barberry cultivation is banned because the shrub contains the fungus spores that cause stem rust – a devastating disease in … Read more

Beaufortia is a genus of around 20 small trees and woody shrubs that is native to the southwest of Australia. This is an evergreen plant that is widely grown elsewhere with little effort. This perennial is grown both for its evergreen foliage and bright red, orange or pinky flowers that resemble a bottle brush.  Whilst … Read more

Azara is a genus of shrubs with ten recognized species. Native to South America, this plant commonly grows in woodland and lakeside locations.  This perennial is an evergreen shrub and some species are grown as ornamental plants in gardens. The saw tooth azara produces brilliant golden clusters of flowers in late spring, followed by impressive … Read more