The Ouachita Hosta & Shade Plant Society

Gardening in the Shade

Light Defined

Light is measured by length of sun exposure. Full sun equals six or more hours of direct sun per day. A sunny location is one that gets less than six hours but the plant receives sun during the afternoon. Light Shade refers to four to six hours of sun. Medium Shade equals 2-4 hours of sun. Full shade means less than 2 hours of sun.

Light Enhancing Factors

Shade created by deciduous trees is less dense because it is a filtered and moving shade. Areas that receive significant reflected light off nearby light-colored buildings are providing additional light to nearby plants..

Light is a Moving Target

Unless a site is completely exposed and in full sun all day, light conditions will usually change during the day. All light conditions change through the seasons.

Effect of Direction

The northern and eastern sides of a house receive the least amount of light. The northern exposure being the shadiest. These sides also tend to be a little cooler. The western and southern sides of a house receive the most light. They are considered the hottest exposures due to intense afternoon sun. The western side of a house may even be shady due to shadows cast by large trees or a structure from an adjacent property.

Full or Dense Shade

Full shade means there is little or no light in the growing zone. Such sites are often found beneath lower tree limbs or on the north side of the house. Some sun is received, but it is usually in the morning hours. Plants that require full shade are usually susceptible to sunburn. Full shade beneath trees may pose additional problems. Not only is there no light, but competition for water, nutrients and root space.

Partial Shade

Filtered light found beneath trees with high limbs or beneath an arbor or lathe-like structure is called Partial Shade. Partial Shade usually offers some protection from direct afternoon sun. Root competition is usually less. Plants that can tolerate full sun or some sun in cooler climates may require some shade in warmer climates due to stress placed on the plant from reduced moisture and excessive heat.

Light and Plant Selection

For best plant performance, it is desirable to match the correct plant with the available light conditions: Right plant, right place! Most plants purchased from commercial vendors have tags that indicate the proper light conditions for the plants. Plants which do not receive sufficient light may become pale in color, have fewer leaves and a "leggy" stretched-out appearance. Also expect plants to grow slower and have fewer blooms when light is less than desirable. Plants can also receive too much light. If a shade loving plant is exposed to direct sun, it may wilt and/or cause leaves to be sunburned or otherwise damaged.

Site Survey

Take time to map sun and shade throughout the day. You will get a more accurate feel for your site's true light conditions. Particularly if you have just bought a new home or are just beginning to garden in your older home

Common Shade Plants

Annuals  begonias, wax fuchsias   browallia impatiens   catharanthus (vinca)  lobelia   coleus salvia, dwarf            Bulbs/Tubers  begonias, tuberous  grape hyacinths      caladium scillas  crocus snowdrops  daffodils species tulips Perennials  astilbe  forget-me-nots   bergenia  hosta lilies  bleeding heart                 leopardsbane  columbine  meadowsweet    coral bells  monarda   daylilies  monkshood   ferns  trollius (globe flower)  Woodland Flowers  bellwort  jack-in-the-pulpit   bloodroot   Jacob's ladder    cardinal flower  omon's seal   fringed bleeding heart    wild columbine