Defining Full Sun, Part Sun, and Shade for Your Garden

Sun Exposure Guidelines by Region

Plant tags use general terms, but sunshine intensity varies by location. Here's a practical breakdown for Georgia:

Full Sun

• Coast: 6+ hours unfiltered sun
• Mountains: All-day unfiltered sun
• Piedmont/elsewhere: 8+ hours unfiltered sun

Part Sun / Part Shade

• Coast: 3 hours morning sun + afternoon shade, or dappled light all day
• Mountains: 5 hours morning sun + afternoon shade
• Elsewhere: Direct sun part of day, or dappled light under high pines

Full Shade

• Coast: All-day shade under low evergreens
• Mountains: Dappled shade under low deciduous trees
• Elsewhere: Dappled shade all day under hardwoods

Morning sun is gentler than afternoon sun. Observe your site through the seasons—conditions change as the sun angle shifts.