I will water more next year. I don't have any trees so no shade in my yard

Some VS shrubs that I was monitoring here performed poorly. The white blooms went directly from white to brown. I assumed it was heat and moisture issues.

I have better luck giving VS more shade than the average paniculata.

I wish I had more shade. :-(

How old is your plant ? It was only by year 5 that I started to see the true potential of this plant, and it's even better this year, year six. Prior to that it would Brown rather quickly.

Of course water especially during the first year and periods of drought

also, don't worry about the sun in the short run you may be worse due to faster browning, but in your zone in the long run it will be loaded with more blooms because of the sun and they will stand up to the sun too.you will be very happy it gets plenty of sun in the long run.

my experience, you have to give this plant 5 and preferably six years before you can start to judge it

Thanks for the encouragement! I do like the plant for the most part