Ideal Light Conditions for Landscape Plants
Properly Placing Ornamental Plants Based on Existing Sun and Shade
How do gardeners determine if a plant they’re thinking of buying will thrive in a certain light condition?
Nurseries attach tags to their plants that provide general information for healthy growth. Gardeners may need a plant suitable for their home’s sunny south-facing entrance, and the plant tag says their plant loves full sun. Or they might want a plant for a shade garden they're planning to install under a mature water oak. The tag says the plant they're considering thrives in deep shade.
But what if gardeners want to plant in partial shade? Or part sun? Just what do these terms mean, and how do they affect decisions to place plants in certain positions?
Planting Landscape Plants in Full Sun Areas
An area blessed by full sun means it’s exposed to direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. If a house wall faces south or west, and there are no trees casting shade on the wall in the middle or late afternoon, gardeners can think of this area as full sun. Western and southern exposures get more light, and also heat up faster.
Partial Sun and Partial Shade
Light filtered through leaves (or through a screen like a trellis) is considered partial sun or partial shade. Plants here don’t want or need direct sun. Early morning light (less harsh than that hot western exposure) can be included in the partial designation. Generally, more than 3 hours of sun and less than 6 can be classified as partial sun or partial shade.
Ornamental Plants and Full Shade
Full shade means an area receives direct sunlight less than 3 hours a day. This condition may occur in a woodland environment, on the north side of a house, or in the narrow side yards between two buildings. Many plants tolerate full shade, but not that many thrive there, so gardeners choose their plants wisely.
Full sun loving plants may grow perfectly well in less light, but their flowering or foliage growth will suffer. A plant that thrives in less light might be a better choice. Conversely, if a shade lover gets too much sun, leaves and bark may burn.
Changing Light Conditions
Light conditions aren’t static – they’re always changing. Latitude makes a difference. A plant that needs partial shade in the hot south may do just fine in Washington or Oregon.
And don’t forget to factor in the time of year. Due to the angle of the sun, shadows are longer in winter than summer. When placing plants, keep in mind that a full sun environment in the summer could turn into a partial or even full shade environment in winter. Wise gardeners familiarize themselves with the various patterns of sun and shade in their yards throughout the day, and factor in the change of seasons. That way, they’ll be sure to match the right plant to its ideal light needs.
Landscape Plant Cultural Requirements Important, Too
Whether choosing a plant for full sun or full shade, or conditions somewhere in between, gardeners should learn the cultural needs of the plants they want to use before purchasing or planting them. Soil moisture plays an important role. Adequate moisture will increase a plants tolerance for sun.
Savvy gardeners take the time to learn the sometimes subtle differences in their yard’s light intensity before installing their landscapes. And their plants thank them for it with years of lush, healthy growth.
Shade Garden
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