Whitebuttons: complete guide

Overview

Whitebuttons (Anacyclus clavatus), also known as White Anacyclus, is a charming Mediterranean plant from the Asteraceae family. With delicate white flowers and gray-green foliage, this plant brings elegance to any garden design. It grows low and compact, ideal for borders and rock gardens.

Appearance and Bloom

This plant reaches only 15 to 30 cm in height, forming a compact, spreading growth habit. The leaves are finely divided with gray-green coloring. Flowers are white to pale yellow with yellow centers, creating striking contrast against fine foliage. Blooming occurs from late spring through summer with prolific flowering.

Ideal Location

Whitebuttons thrives in full sun on warm, sheltered sites receiving 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight. The plant tolerates heat and wind well. Avoid shaded locations which result in weak growth and fewer flowers. A south-facing slope is ideal.

Soil

This plant prefers light, well-draining soil. Whitebuttons cannot tolerate waterlogging. Heavy clay soil requires improvement with sand and gravel. The plant grows well in fertile soils but survives on poor soil. Neutral to alkaline pH (6.5-7.5) is optimal.

Watering

Whitebuttons is very drought-tolerant once established. Water regularly only during the first growing season. Mature plants require minimal water except during drought periods. Avoid stagnant water; the plant prefers dry to wet. Light misting during extreme heat helps.

Pruning

Minimal pruning is needed. Remove spent flowers for extended blooming. When plants become sparse, pruning after flowering maintains shape. Dead foliage can be removed in fall.

Maintenance Calendar

Spring: Plant seedlings. Ensure drainage. Summer: Water only during extreme drought. Fall: Reduce watering. Winter: Survives light frost; protect heavily in cold regions.

Winter Hardiness

Whitebuttons is moderately cold-hardy, surviving winter temperatures of -5 to -10 degrees Celsius depending on location and drainage. In wetter climates, improved drainage is essential. In very cold areas, adding extra sand around the plant base helps.

Companion Plants

Whitebuttons combines beautifully with other sun-lovers like Lavender, Cistus and Salvia. Low growth makes it suitable for rock gardens, troughs and containers. Paired with gray-foliaged plants creates contrast and harmony.

Closing Remarks

Whitebuttons is a royal Mediterranean gem that adds elegance and practical sustainability to garden design. With minimal care, this plant brings years of enjoyment.

Find seeds and plants at: OBI, Hornbach, gardenworld.app/en