I planted a Dawn Redwood 20 years ago in my backyard. Today it is 60 feet tall and last year produced hundreds of cones. I have about 100 seedlings that range in size from 1 inch to 12 inches in 5 months of growth. I had about 10% germination. I planted in several different soil conditions and different sun locations. I have concluded that full sun with daily watering is the most effective combination for growth. Seedlings growing directly next to each other have different growth rates. I have no significant browning of leaves in full sun. I will begin planting the strongest seedlings in the ground next year and continue pot growing the remaining until they have enough root structure to support them. My original tree (purchased as a 1 year old seedling) started slowly and then after about 5 years exploded with a 5 foot a year growth. It did not seed this year much to my disappointment. I think I have found the right combination of growth factors through trial and error. I am hoping to get another chance soon. For those who wish to grow only a few trees I suggest ordering seedlings from a grower. They will have the 1st year of growth out of the way and will be much more likely to survive.

Both are right. In the northern states and Canada, it can take full sun. Just make sure it can withstand your zone. I am not clear on the zones where it can be grown as some plant nurseries & universities claim Zone 4 while others (www.hydrangeashydrangeas.com & other nurseries) claim even Zone 2. In the southern states, like Texas/Georgia/etc, it must have afternoon shade or the leaves will suffer from sunscald as summer approaches. And yes, Annabelle probably would grow in full shade (if that is what you meant) but bloomage might suffer. The blooms may be smaller than normal or fewer; if planted in dense shade, the shrub may end up with nice dark green leaves and no blooms at all. However, I have never done that or heard of someone who has tried that with Annabelle.

Dear ApostCA, Morning sun is better than afternoon and 3.5 should be okay. The other thing that I would think about is how direct the sun is since you are zone 9. Our sun here can be very direct (due to altitude). So, far though the shade plants are doing okay with what they have. Hostas are good ones for your situation because they will grow in whatever light, unless they get too much burning sun. One lady said that for the first year she grew them in sun so they would get big and then moved them later. Istanbuljoy

Where are you at in CA? North, south? Is it a dry heat or more of a coastal heat? Shade like that here in CA may not really be like the shade in other areas. You may need a rose that is simply really sun/heat tolerant. On my trouble areas that are NW facing, and also get shaded by the house like you’re describing I put pink supreme carpet roses, but I admit I don’t really count that as a rose, more of a landscape plant. It does great in a troublesome spot like that though. Gets about 4 feet high and wide here and blooms all the time. In other SW facing areas that get full day sun in the summer and a lot of radiant heat, I have these pink ones by Kordes that have all done surprisingly well in the heat. They seem to really love the heat actually! These were all taken during the heat waves of summer/fall in CA last year... First Crush Summer Romance I don’t have enough photos of SR saved, but it was a real winner in scorching heat here... if you do a search on houzz/gardenweb for Summer Romance you will see a few more photos from me) Madame Anisette Another that can take the exposure you’re describing is Koko Loco I wouldn’t put Princess Charlene de Monaco in a place like that. Mine is a bit of a diva and needed coddling and A LOT of water last year. The leaves and everything were getting scorched last year. It’s much better now, but it’s in a western exposure spot with a bit of afternoon shade.