Japanese maples in full (hot!) sun? (trees, front yard, city, leaves)

[CristenS]

I love Japanese Maples, and would love to have one in the front yard. However, my front yard has absolutely no shade. I live in Zone 7, which is very hot and humid in the summers.

I have read that the Bloodgood variety can do okay in full sun, mainly because of the large leaves. Any experience with this or other varieties?

Or any other thoughts for a colorful tree to plant in full sun? I like leafy trees, but I also like bright colors. (IE - I like the color on Redbuds, but often they do not look "leafy" enough for my liking.)

Thanks!

[no kudzu]

I'm in 7b and have two Needleleaf japanese maples in full sun and they are doing fine. The builder planted them so you know they got no special care or even water for the first 2 years. I think they are needleleaf, they might be threadleaf but they are fine leafed and very pretty. A very hardy tree with very few problems.

[elston]

When I lived in S California.....I loved crepe myrtle trees.....ours was doing well in full sun.

[jctx]

We have a Japanese Maple "Red Dragon" that is thriving in full sun. There is a photo I posted in another thread here: Pruning trimming and shaping

[cstleddy]

I'm in Zone 7b and have and see in town numerous Japanese Maples in full sun. Mine are in full sun up next to the house and get full sun from 10 am on. My neighbor has two out near the road, flanking her driveway and they are in full sun from sun up til sun down. Beautiful!