Full Sun vs Partial Shade

Because it is a simple matter to select plants according to the descriptions on labels, the actual test is deciding how much full sun you get in your landscape. This process might be harder than you think.

Even though there are devices that gage sunlight exposure, calculating this way isn't always accurate.

Environments where a rain-free summer day typically includes clouds that come and go may get the same reading as a place where a rain-free day includes cloudless skies.

Another method for measuring sunlight exposure is to observe, examining your planting area during the day. You want to determine the average time that the sunlight engulfs the spot.

Once you have an answer, it's just a matter of picking plants that fit the site's conditions, according to the plant labels.

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​Full Sun

For a planting spot to be "full sun," it doesn't need to be in complete sunlight. A garden is an entire sun site as long as it gets at a minimum of six total sun hours. 

Several plants will flourish in more than six hours of sun. These plants can handle dry conditions once they get established. Regardless of the full sun plants you pick, a mulch layer helps sustain moisture in the soil, creating cool roots. 

Plants that enjoy the full sun is the biggest group you will come to know. The vast majority of plants love the full sun if their moisture needs are satisfied. 

​Partial Shade

The term "partial shade" means three to six hours of sunlight every day, if possible, in the early morning and early afternoon. Though there is a slight difference:
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If a plant is partial shade, the plant will require some reprieve from the late afternoon sun's extreme heat. You could resolve this issue by planting close to a tree that will provide afternoon shade. Or you could plant on the side of a building that shields everything from the direct sun. Partial shade plants include several begonias and impatiens.

To learn more about full sun and partial shade plants, contact Rochester Tree Service.