Info tag says full sun! I know "full sun" generally means 6 hours minimum , but here in southern KY a lot of such plants seem to wilt in the heat even fruit trees, crape myrtles etc.

Yet other full sun plants seem to need shade. Unfortunately shade times don't work on my land. Little morning sun, most sun is from hot western sun.

What are your suggestions on plants like Red Twig Dogwood, Abelia Kaleidoscope,Cistena Coggyria,Forsythia. Thanks. Always appreciate your helpful expertise

I just find the info labels is often just not precise enough especially since light conditions on my land just don't match up as well, and I'm never sure about areas that often have bright shade from woods, and path of sun, and shade from house. Thanks.

Answer #1 · Maple Tree's Answer · Hi Frank-I wish I had the perfect answer to your question. Your hardiness zone I believe is 7a which is fine for these plants to survive your winter temperatures. Unfortunately plant information tags may give a plants hardiness zones but does not indicate the amount of full sun and high temperatures they can withstand without harm. These plants should survive your summers also but unfortunately several factors will determine how much leaf scorching will occur. Soil moisture, sunlight intensity, amount of direct sunlight, and humidity will all determine the amount of scorching. Fortunately leaf scorching will not normally harm the trees and shrubs but it does make them look lousy. A little research and questions asked of your local quality nursery and or your local Cooperative Extension Service can help in knowing how well a particular shrub or tree will fare during your summer temperatures. Some plant files and plant information tags are now indicating a plants heat zone information. I noted a link to information regarding the use of the American Horticultural Society heat zone map. I believe there are over 300 plants now that have been noted with the heat zone along with their hardiness zone. Most likely you can find the plants heat zone hardiness researching plant files on the internet or by contacting your local nursery and or Cooperative Extension Service.

http://ahsgardening.org/gardening-resources/gardening-maps/heat-zone-map

Don't hesitate to ask any other questions you may have.

John)