Q.Leucothoe ‘Little Flames’
I think this is an amazing shrub and would love to plant some of these in our landscape. However our landscaper is reporting these are only hardy in Zones 7 – 9. I am uncertain what zone we are in but our zip code is 80537 and we are not in the elevated part of this zip code but on the flat land just in front of the mountains. I had read somewhere that the impact of global warming is also affecting some planting zones. Your input would be appreciated.

Certified GKH Gardening Expert
I show you are in zone 5b. I checked three different sources for Leucothoe axillaris 'Little Flames' and one was zones 5 to 9, another was 6 to 9, and a university extension publication said 5b to 9.
So I think you are close enough to try it. Before winter sets in you can mulch it real well.
If still uncertain you can grow a couple specimens in containers that you move into the garage over winter.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/leucothoe/growing-a-leucothoe-bush.htm