I would consider that spot sunny. I think afternoon shade usually means by 1:00. The sun from noon to three is very hot. But, I don't know zone 3 at all.

FYI, most hydrangeas will grow fine in full sun... you'll just need to water them much more often.

i like to think of it being more of a function of heat ....

morning sun.. cool ..

afternoon sun .... hot ...

all plants transpire or sweat ... they give off water ...

some plants.. give off more than they can take up in afternoon sun ... e.g. .. i have a few hosta... and they do NOT like afternoon sun ... they wont die.. they just start looking like heck in late summer ...

hydrangea.. would fall in that category ... IMHO ... as noted directly above... its all a function of your ability to give them enough water ....

good luck

ken

Thanks, I will keep this in mind, problem is, most of my yard is either full sun, or morning shade afternoon sun. And I travel to much, I am gone on business at lease one week a month, all year round. And at the end of July, every year, I am gone 9 days to 2 weeks.

I might have to just enjoy these in other peoples yards!

Jenny P