Shade is a relative term for people. Plants take their shade requirements a little more seriously. Everyone has taken home a plant that required some form of shade, only they had miscalculated the level of shade in their landscape. The amount of shade must be determined accurately.
Doing so will guarantee that the plant flourishes as a unique specimen or fills in any areas where nothing seems to want to grow. You’ll be the recipient of distinctly colored and patterned foliage or brightly colored blossoms. It’s also important to remember that some plants will tolerate shady conditions that overlap one another.
Filtered Shade
In filtered shade, sunlight reaches the ground after being filtered through a canopy of tree leaves. It’s sometimes referred to as dappled sunlight. The pattern of light shifts throughout the day and doesn’t remain the same. Astilbe, fuchsia, impatiens, begonias and bleeding heart are good choices.
Partial Shade
A partial shade situation occurs when an area receives 2 to 4 hours of sun each day. Caladiums, coleus, hostas, primrose, hardy cyclamen, and lily of the valley will grow in these conditions.
Full Shade
You have full shade when an area receives less than 4 hours of direct sunlight per day due to dense tree canopies or building overhangs. Hostas like shade.
Deep/Dense Shade
This occurs when plants don’t receive any direct sun. The light they do receive is reflected or indirect. Primroses, lily of the valley, trilliums, coral bells, and foxglove are just some of the flowering plants that will tolerate deep shade.
Annuals and Perennials
A large number of shade loving plants tend to be perennials. Just plant them once and they return every year. However, for those that like the vibrant colors of annuals, there are also choices. Bear in mind that the light and shade requirements stated on plant tags provide optimal conditions. Many plants are able to adapt to other shade conditions – if it’s not a radical difference.
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