Shade can be one of the most enchanting, while also one of the most challenging, parts of the landscape. Many plants, especially flowering plants, require full sunlight to thrive. Shade can be further complicated by additional factors such as tree roots, wet or dry soil, or very deep shade. Although these conditions are difficult, there are a number of striking plants that flourish in shady locations.
In general, light levels are defined as follows:
- Full sun: 6 hours or more of direct sun
- Part sun/part shade: 4-6 hours of morning or evening (not midday)
- Dappled shade: indirect light (such as filtered through trees)
- Shade: 4 hours or less of morning or evening sun (not midday)
Shade tolerant plants have evolved to be adapted to lower light levels. Sun plants will stretch to try to reach more light, often resulting in lopsided or leggy growth. Too much shade may also cause plants to have reduced growth and reduced or no flowers.
Read on to learn about specific shade tolerant perennials in the article Perennials for Shade in our June edition of Hort Notes.
Hort Notes is written for landscapers, grounds managers, arborists, and other green industry professionals with the understanding that home gardeners may also look to this publication for information as well. This newsletter and emphasizes timely plant health care practices and problem-solving information and includes monthly email alerts to emerging landscape insect and disease problems while providing timely Integrated Pest Management strategies. Hort Notes is published monthly over an extended season, and there are 10 issue per year: Take me to Hort Notes!
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