I think it'll be fine. I'm in Texas, and have three that are 12 yrs old ... they've survived historic heat/drought years, months of 100+ temps at a time, full sun, and also snowfalls and below normal freezes we've had. I just keep them watered normal, and they're happy. They love full sun, but can take partial shade, too.

That zone designation only has to do with minimum winter cold temperatures the plant can withstand. I'm not sure why they bother to put an upper "limit" as if you are above the lowest zone number stated you are safe.....as far as winter cold is concerned. Summer heat or humidity is an entirely different matter and most plant tags make no mention of any of these restrictions. That's why it is important to research the suitability of the plant before you purchase it. The Sunset Western Garden Book has its own zone designations, was developed in California for west coast gardeners and includes both cold AND heat tolerance, geography, rain fall amounts, winds and the influence of ocean currents or other large bodies of water. Sunset lists loropetalum suitable for ALL areas of southern California. Two of the largest SoCal wholesale nurseries produce this plant in abundance - here's a link to what one says about loropetalum. The dark leaved forms should receive a lot of sun to retain that foliage color.

Thank you so much for your help!