I assume you're concerned about the heat, not the cold, since it's range is listed as zone 2 - 7. Maybe if you have an area with afternoon shade, it would have a better chance. And what's the worst that would happen if you plant it, and it fails to thrive?

I had a plain green ninebark ages ago, when I lived in zone 7a. It was never a pretty plant. It got full sun, morning thru late evening -- maybe that was the problem. I pulled it after a few years.

Those new colors are pretty, aren't they? I'm in zone 6b and planted an "Amber Jubilee" last week. It will get morning sun and afternoon shade. Fingers crossed....

I think they'd do fine...the plain green variety is native here in 6a. I agree a full sun location wouldn't be the best thing.

Most of what I've read about those reddish ninebark varieties say they prefer full sun, which is what someone at our local garden store said as well. I have a spot that gets partial sun, which I hoped would be enough.

I'm in Central Virginia, zone 7, and my "diablo" ninebark has done well for several years. It's in a sun/part bright shade location.

The zone designations ONLY reflect winter cold, therefore the ONLY number that makes any sense is the first. If they are winter hardy in z2, then they will be winter hardy in zone 7, 8 or 9 and above!!

Will they do well in a warmer climate in summer?? Sure!! They are very widely grown in my area (zone 8/9) and as far south a northern California. High summer humidity may be a limiting factor as they do tend to be prone to powdery mildew. But as long as they are grown in plenty of sun, their soil is not allowed to dry excessively and they have good air circulation. PM shouldn't be a big problem.

btw, this IS a full sun plant.

GG, references to full sun in the PNW don't reflect well on Southern climes. Things that can do full sun up there, would simply crisp or melt here in more than half sun.

The original poster didn't give a geographic location, so we can only guess.

My full sun designation is not just for the PNW :-) It is listed as preferring full sun in just about plant reference you care to check. The coloring will fade or green up in much shade so the dark colored forms really DO need sun to perform well. Some light or dappled shade during the hottest part of the afternoon may be appropriate. The native range of Physocarpus opulifolius is reported to extend as far south as Florida so no reason it can't be grown through much of the South.