Magical® Moonlight Buttonbush — Cephalanthus occidentalis 'Kolmoon'

Magical® Moonlight Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis 'Kolmoon') is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with a compact, mounded habit. Sweetly fragrant white flower clusters resemble pincushions and bloom in summer above glossy dark green foliage.

The leaves turn yellow in fall, adding seasonal color to moist borders and pond-edge plantings. This selection belongs to a species native to eastern North America, including Georgia.

Growing details

• Plant type: Deciduous shrub
• Cultivar: 'Kolmoon'
• Listed mature height: 4–6 feet
• Listed mature spread: 5–8 feet
• Spacing: Approximately 6 feet apart
• Hardiness: USDA zones 4–9
• Light: Full sun to part sun
• Soil: Rich, moist to wet soil
• Flowers: Fragrant white, rounded clusters in summer
• Foliage: Glossy dark green, turning yellow in fall

Care and garden use

This low-maintenance shrub needs reliable soil moisture. Avoid dry sites. Allow room for its mature spread when planting.

Use as an accent or in groups, borders, woodland edges, wildlife gardens, naturalized areas, pond edges, foundation beds, or hedges where its light and moisture needs can be met. Pair with sweet flag, ferns, or iris suited to the same conditions.

Image credit: Photos by Plants Nouveau, Cephalanthus Magical® Moonlight. Plants naturally vary in appearance and may differ from the images shown.