Lawanda's Garden

      Some plants do best in sunny areas while others thrive in shade.  For best results, it is important that plants be placed in the type of light where the tag that comes with them, or the seed packet if grown from seed, lists as the light requirements for the plant.  But what exactly does it mean if it says “full sun” or “part shade?”

      “Full sun” means at least six hours of direct summer sun between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.  Early morning sun and late afternoon sun are less intense and six hours of either or both of them aren’t considered full sun.  The tag may also say “bright sun.”

      “Part sun” calls for sun for four to five hours a day.  The tag may also list “part” or “half” shade.

      “Light shade” denotes shade for no more than two to four hours during the heat of the day.  It also means lightly dappled shade throughout the sunlight hours.  It is typical of locations under high branching trees where light is plentiful but lower in intensity than full sun.  The tag may also state “thin” or “part” shade.

      “Filtered shade” means an area that is shady all day, but shafts of sun filter through the branches.  The tag might say “intermittent” or “dappled” shade.

      “Part shade” indicates an area that is shady for at least four to five hours a day.  In partial shade, plants receive some direct sun, but not all day long, and none at midday.  The tag may also state “semi-shade,” “medium shade” or “half shade.”

      “Full shade” denotes no obvious sunlight, but these areas get light from sunny spots nearby.  This is often shade cast by conifers or the shade on the north side of a building.  It is also called “dense shade.”

      Obviously there is some overlap between the different light requirement definitions.  To further confuse the issue, different companies can use different terms to describe light requirements for the same plant. 

      A plant may grow just fine in an area that is not its ideal lighting location, but it will probably produce less fruit, or have fewer flowers of less intense color, and smaller or a lesser number of leaves.