Plants such as hostas, astilbes, and clematis prefer areas with afternoon shade. Late-day sun can scorch leaves and flowers, so site plants that need protection from heat as well as sun. But in summer, west-facing plants receive the hottest sun of the day, so choose tough, drought-tolerant plants that can cope with the afternoon heat. In spring, some plants thrive on morning shade (rhododendrons, magnolias, and fruit trees) because their delicate flower buds need to warm up gradually after a frosty night. However, planting areas to the east will receive morning sun and afternoon shade! If you study your home, you’ll noticed that planting areas to the west are in morning shade and heat up in the afternoon sun. Many plants can actually grow in this bright shade but pay special attention to how much light is reflected at different times of the day and season.

Bright Shadeīright shade falls on the surfaces near lakes, ponds, windows, and white walls which often reflect light. Light that reaches the plants is sufficient for growth and flowering, but there is enough shade to protect plants from burning during hot, summer days. This type of shade is found on the perimeter of a deciduous woodland around individual trees. Photo: Dappled shade falling on mixed perennial garden. Plants in this type of shade can receive significant light but it is unpredictable and highly seasonal. This is probably the most common shade in suburban backyards and is also the most common woodland shade-garden environment. When it comes to partial shade, there are different categories, which are detailed in the following descriptions: Dappled Shadeĭappled or filtered shade is created by sunlight filtering through the canopy of open tree branches or through latticework structures, with the pattern of light shifting all day. They enjoy some heat and intense sun exposure in order to produce flowers-just not all day.)

These aren’t really part-shade plants which like a “cool” Sun. Part sun is defined as 4 to 6 hours of direct sun per day but some of those hours can be in the afternoon. (Note: “Part Sun” is another term that some gardeners or plant tags will use, though not all. Partial shade often occurs under or beside trees and shrubs, or next to hedges, walls, fences, and other garden structures. Most plants seem to prefer direct sun in the morning or evening and protection from the hot midday sun.

Part Shade or Partial shade refers to a garden that receives 4 to 6 hours of direct sun per day, but most of those hours (4 or more) should come in the morning hours when the sun’s rays are less intense.

Track sunlight in yard