Brazilian Button Flower (Centratherum punctatum)

Brazilian Button Flower

Centratherum punctatum

Round button-like blooms add cheerful texture to borders. Low-growing flowering perennial; common name: Brazilian Button Flower.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; tolerates mild afternoon shade in hot, arid regions to prevent leaf scorch
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Watering Water deeply when the top 2–3 cm of soil is completely dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
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Temperature Thrives in warm temperate to tropical temperatures; protect from frost below 10°C to prevent foliage damage
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Opposite, ovate to lanceolate leaves with serrated margins; dark green, slightly fuzzy texture
  • Flower: Round, button-shaped composite blooms in white to pale lavender; central disc florets are bright yellow
  • Stem: Slender, green to reddish stems covered in fine, soft pubescence
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water 1–2 times weekly

Fertilization

Diluted balanced liquid feed every 2 weeks. Discontinue fertilization in late autumn to support dormancy

Banana peel tea:Soak chopped banana peels in water for 3 days; dilute 1:20 with water for root drench to avoid nutrient burn
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering throughout the growing season
  • Trim back leggy stems in early spring to promote compact, bushy growth
  • Remove yellowing or damaged foliage to maintain plant health and improve airflow
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA has no listed toxicity to cats; safe for feline exposure

Humans: No documented toxicity to humans; safe for handling and incidental contact

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental garden border plant, container planting, pollinator-friendly nectar source for bees and butterflies