Variegated red twig dogwoods come in a whole bunch of different variegations, some of which will be more sun tolerant than others (i.e., those with yellow variegation rather than white or cream). Still, not the best choice for a very intense, sunny location. I may lean more to redneck's choices also. Twig dogwoods are also pretty tough plants and very adaptable - they are extremely drought tolerant once established, for example - so I'm not sure how inappropriate they'd be for your zone. Not all zone 8's are created equal, but they are widely planted in my zone 8. I'd check the AHS heat zone map for confirmation. One issue to consider is the humidity rather than the heat per se - leaf spot and other fungal issues may be far more prevalent in areas with high summer humidity regardless of actual temperatures. Here is a link that might be useful: AHS heat zones

Ken - I love seeing all your pictures and these latest of the sand. I can't decide if I'm jealous of your 5 acres -- or if more space would add to my neurotic state when it comes to decisions. I am currently in search of a few shrubs to put along a fence that will separate us and our neighbors. The picture shows our green cottage (and our brick steps and our neighbor's blue cottage. We are going to put a fence between the properties and want to add some shrubs. I was thinking oakleaf hydrangea but am leaning to evergreens. Boxwoods, rhododendron, camellia, yet another holly. Commitment is a bear!

Just as an FYI... the correct common name is Pagoda dogwood, not pagota dogwood. The common name comes from the layered branching habit of this small tree and is said to remind people of the Pagoda temples seen in the Orient. You will have much better luck searching the Internet if you use the correct common name. Actually, I would use the Latin name for best results. I have both of the variegated Pagoda dogwoods growing in my zone 4a garden, Cornus alternifolia 'Argentea' (aka 'Variegata') and C. a. Golden Shadows (cultivar name is 'W Stackman') and neither has had any problem with the winters here. I am located on the northern edge of zone 4a, in Minneapolis, MN. Golden Shadows is by far the superior plant. 'Argentea' has somewhat small, contorted leaves while the leaves of Golden Shadows is similar to the straight species plant. Golden Shadows leaves look much like a "tree hosta", in that there is a gold edge surrounding a green center. Both of my plants are on their own roots, but it is much more common to find these plants as grafted plants since C. alternifolia is fairly hard to root. I purchased my 'Argentea' from Roslyn Nursery, which is on the East coast and I purchased Golden Shadows from Klehm's Song Sparrow Nursery in Wisconsin. Both were purchased via mail order. I have ordered many, many times from Forest Farm and Song Sparrow I have been very, very satisfied. Order from wither Forest Farm and/or Song Sparrow with complete confidence. Good luck, Mike Here is a link that might be useful: Klehm's Song Sparrow Nursery

not sure but with u being close by in howard county u can try behnke, http://behnkes.com/website/ they are usually referred to as the best in the area. good luck