March 9, 2009 - Update I checked all magnolias - all except for Edith Bogue have burn on their leaves. The burn is not severe, however the winter has been colder and windier than normal. My magnolias normally lose leaves in the spring when new growth begins so I am not too concerned with springtime leaf dropping. The trees have burlap screens on the side where the Sun would normally shine on them in the afternoon and the burlap is on the side that the winds normally come from. I gently "wiggled" random buds on all Magnolias. A stiff rigid bud indicates winter kill and possible die back. All buds that I tested were flexible indicating that they survived to this point. I have done this last year so I am confident that they have survived the worst of this winter.

I can grow S&S in full sun, along with any of the fragrant Hostas, and worry only about occasional water supplementation. Gold Standard on the other hand suffered from quite a bit of burn-out in pretty much full sun last year and was relocated to where it doesn't see direct sun much beyond 12.30PM. BTW, I'm in zone 8, but my latitude is just north of the 49th and I'm close to the ocean, so I never see temperatures much above 25C (77F). While the comments from others are always helpful, we should keep in mind to put them into proper context and perspective. Zones help, but what's the angle/intensity, that's something zones do not tell you. My zone 8 probably doesn't get near as hot in the summer as your zone 4, by the same token I'll bet there's plenty of zone 8's that get quite a bit above 80F on a regular basis and their experience with growing Hostas in full sun will be different from mine, I have no doubt.

Hi! I live in Hickory Hills (SW suburb of Chicago). Been lurking (and occasionally posting) here for about six years now. It's great! I love all the pictures, plus the forum is so informative and friendly. My hosta collection is rather small (just under 40 varieties) but I'm planning my first trip ever to Hornbaker's soon, so that should help! Lisa

If you get up from the KT and walk over to the back door, then peek out in the back yard, you will see a lonely little rundown doghouse...that is where the LazyPup lives... Thats why I didn't make the list,,,cause nobody knows the street address for the KT