I have seen wild ones growing in standing shallow water in full shade under red maples. However, they don't look nearly as full as those in more sun.

I think that I might be more likely to move the shredded umbrella plant.

I agree, button bushes look best in mostly sun as long as they had ample water. If they had a preference sun or moisture, I think they'd take the moisture..but I'm not sure.

And yes, the umbrella plant moves a lot easier than a mature rooted in button bush.

thank you, i think you're both right. part of the problem is that i really only appreciate it in flower (most of what i grow is not like that because Foliage is my prime interest), and i must focus on it next year so i remember to appreciate it in flower. The other problem is that i didn't know it would come to eat Chicago. Man do they get big. Quite a different thing to see a striking swath of them in the woods as you approach the entrance to Frank Cabot's Cold Spring garden("oh, sweetie, we HAVE to get one of those!"), and to fit them into a tightly packed mixed border! A whacking we shall go.....