@ Lynn - I've only had the 'Little Devil' for a few weeks, as you noted, so I can't say I have had a lot of experience with it, and it certainly hasn't grown much in size as yet! I am not sure what you mean by "bright red" foliage, either - the foliage on this ninebark, like that of Diablo, is a dark, mahogany/burgundy red color. Anyway, the colour of the foliage has not changed, and, to my knowledge, remains this colour until leaf drop. @ whaas - I haven't noticed ninebark foliage going limp in the summer; I have either a 'Diablo' or 'Summer Wine' ninebark in my back yard that has been there for several years and it seems to maintain its foliage just fine during the summer, at least here in Colorado. As you mentioned, 'Little Devil' is a cross between Diablo and Dwarf ninebark. I'll see how it does in the summer - it will get a lot more afternoon sunlight than does the ninebark in my back yard. One of the shrubs I would love to get, speaking of adding a punch of dark colours to the garden, is the Black Lace elderberry, Sambucus nigra. It gets up to 8' tall, however, so I haven't figured out where I can plant it so it can grow freely, but it is on my wish list. I couldn't find the hydrangea you spoke of, the 'Mystical Fire.' Are you talking about 'Mystical Flame?' That one sounds pretty cool - white flowers during the summer and burgundy red flowers in the fall. Holly Here is a link that might be useful: Sambucus nigra 'Black Lace'

oldryder correct, some quartz brands have carbon of black as the colouring agent for darker stone. This is not common practice though does exist. Carbon of black is not chemically or UV stable and hence will be why your scenario has occurred. UV light will accelerate damage caused by Salts and Surfactant exposure. This also applies to any exposure to TDS (total dissolved salts) in the air. Caused by being within 7 kms of a salt water body. E.g Ocean or Canal. With high humidity and TDS this will leave a layer of salt across any surface. Why rusting is bad in these areas or even tea staining to metals. The quartz stone does not like long exposure to any alkalines. Salts are highly alkaline. UV light will accelerate the damage of salts and surfactants. So yes agree with your statement but is not why the likes of Snow from Caesarstone or other brands yellow. This also occurs on the marble look ranges as patchy yellow or brownish stains.

Deb, fwiw I thought I'd share with you how W and CW have done here. Whirlwind shows absolutely no effects -it is still in a pot but in plenty of direct sunlight. However, Cathedral Windows and one planted Fire Island (approx. a minimum of 6 hours of sun) are the only two hostas in my entire garden to date this season that look actually ugly! Consistent high temperatures and intense sun have bleached out the leaves and in a spot or two parts of the centre have melted out. I didn't have a spot ready otherwise CW would have been moved in spring. CW receives plenty of additional ground waterings. It was a lot better last year in same location - relocation definitely required here.

Sandy, They all do well with Full sun and not to my knowledge are there Species, hybrids that require less. It seems the big factor is humidity levels. When exposed to dry and extreme temperatures it is the blooming phase which can be arrested. The humidity along with the high temperatures is more favorable. Growers in Arizona for instance either have them under 60% shade cloth or under deciduous trees for filtered sunlight. Low humidity. They have them under this shade cloth in many parts of Australia also. There they have the humidity levels. Rick