All plants require sunlight to grow, but the intensity and duration of sunlight can differ. Plant labels identify the amount of sun a plant requires as full sun, part sun, part shade or full shade.
Key Points
- Full sun – at least 6 hours of direct sun is required daily
- Part sun – between 3 and 6 hours of direct sun is needed daily.
- Part shade – plants require between 3 and 6 hours of sun daily. But they need protection from the intense mid-day sun.
- Full shade – less than 3 hours of direct sun is required per day.
Full Sun
Full sun refers to the abundant light in bright and sunny open spaces. Numerous plants that thrive under sunny skies are classified as full sun plants, although some may require occasional respite. If a plant is labelled as both drought tolerant and full sun, it is highly likely to endure even the most intense summer sun. Nevertheless, certain plants are not equipped to handle such heat. It is crucial to interpret label recommendations as guidelines and adapt them to your specific local conditions.
Part Sun/ Part Shade
Plants marked as part shade are susceptible to excessive sunlight, especially in the afternoon. They will require shade during the hottest periods of the day.
On the other hand, plants designated as part sun can generally handle more light and require a minimum amount of direct sunlight to flourish. However, insufficient sun exposure may result in poor blooming for these plants.
In either case, offering direct morning sun is a favourable option.
Full Shade
Shade-loving plants may require various levels of light, ranging from the gentle indirect light found on the north side of a house to the deeper shade under evergreens. True shade plants, like ferns, are susceptible to damage from excessive sunlight. For such plants, filtered light, as seen beneath a tree canopy, provides an ideal environment known as dappled shade, offering numerous gardening possibilities.
While most full-shade plants can handle some direct sun in the morning or evening, they cannot endure mid-day sun exposure. It’s essential to carefully observe your landscape to ensure that areas you believe to be shady do not receive prolonged periods of direct sunlight during the day. To better understand the sun exposure in your landscape, check the light conditions at different times throughout the day and over an entire growing season.
