I think full sun is best, although it will burn before it's fully established. Having said that, I've found that for the yellow P. orientalis (Skylands, Tom Thumb Gold, and Firefly), the most important thing is keeping them well-watered. If you do, even if they get quite a bit of afternoon sun, the sunburn isn't too bad. And it gets better or even completely resolves once the plant is established.

Not the original poster here, but thanks for the tips Dean.

I planted a skylands and firefly this spring. I know I had read that protection is required for the first few years. I had intended to put an ugly shade structure up, but I would really rather not if not required. I am very diligent about watering new potted plants. I may leave them unprotected for now and watch carefully for burn. Do you think it is possible to catch it before it's too late, as in if it shows signs of burning then put up the shade structure?

Screen them the first year with 60/40 shade cloth available at you local nursery. Only shade the side facing the sun.

In my experience, the sunburn has never been horribly disfiguring, and the next year's new growth tends to cover it up. I don't see anything wrong with seeing how well your plants handle the sun and then trying an intervention if sunburn is a big problem. Your individual landscape situation will dictate your options. For example, my Tom Thumb Gold was planted in a bed near the street four years ago. Like you (coniferbros, that is), I didn't view a shade cloth as an acceptable aesthetic option in that location, and I was willing to suffer some burn. In the end, I think I made the right decision, but I've made just as many (or more!) wrong decisions when it comes to gardening in general...

stuartlawrence

Morning sun to noon is best. It will get scalded/burnt in the afternoon sun. It is a beautiful plant but it requires a lot of protection from the afternoon sun.

Good luck!

stuartlawrencstuartlawrence if you see this msg just curious as to what your experience has been if you went through with a firefly? I'm considering adding one of these to my collection.