Types of Sunlight for Plants
Full sun, part sun, part shade—what does it all mean? Sifting through light requirements on plant tags and then lining those up with the conditions in your yard can be tricky. Here’s a rundown of terms and definitions commonly used in gardening. Full sun: six or more hours of direct sunlight per day. The sunlight doesn’t have to be continuous; a plant might receive 2 hours of sunlight in the morning and another 4 hours in the afternoon. The key word here is “direct.” Sunlight is in no way obscured; it is directly illuminating the plant. Part sun: 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Part shade: 2-4 hours of direct sunlight per day. Shade: less than 2 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Morning vs. Afternoon Sun
Morning sun is less intense for a plant than afternoon sun. The angle of the sunlight hitting the plant coupled with the moderate morning temperatures make morning sun exposure less intense. Plants that grow best in lower light levels are most likely able to tolerate a few hours of morning sun versus the same amount of afternoon sunlight. Plants react differently to light by region too. A few hours of afternoon sun in Georgia packs a lot more punch than a few hours of afternoon sun in Minnesota. A plant that grows in full sun in Minnesota might require afternoon shade when planted in Georgia. Bottom line: consider your region when defining light levels in your landscape.
10 Best Plants for Morning Shade and Afternoon Sun
Plants labeled for full sun are the best fit for morning shade and afternoon sun. Here’s why: the intensity of the afternoon sun (particularly important consideration in the South) is likely to offset any shortcomings the area receives in reaching 6 hours of direct sunlight. An area that receives an entire afternoon of direct sunlight falls squarely in the category of full sun growing conditions. Each of these easy-care perennials for full sun will likely thrive in a spot that receives morning shade and afternoon sun.
Consider All the Factors
Remember, light quality is just one consideration when choosing plants. Soil type, moisture availability, and winter hardiness are other important factors to consider. Look at all aspects of the growing area when choosing plants. And if you do place a plant in the wrong location and it languishes, simply grab a shovel and move it. Plants are mobile and forgiving when you give them a little extra TLC to reestablish in the new growing spot.
