I'm in the SE US and mine take full sun just fine. They will change color throughout the year. Mine right now have older foliage which is a purplish-green, the outer 12" of newer growth is a deep purple, there are a few bright red leaves scattered around. Almost any time of year there are a few blossoms...of course more in spring/summer.

I use no fertilizer, just make sure I water if we aren't getting enough rain. There are said to be various cultivars which hold purple color yearround but most I see around town here are similar to mine. josh