Decoding Plant Light Requirements: From Full Sun to Deep Shade

Full sun = 6+ hours direct sun. Shade has many nuances: 1) Morning sun/afternoon shade; 2) Morning shade/afternoon sun; 3) Bright dappled shade all day; 4) High shade (pockets of sun); 5) Winter sun/summer shade (under deciduous trees); 6) Winter shade/summer sun (north side of structures). Part-shade plants tolerate morning sun but need afternoon shade. Full-sun plants need 6+ hours; 4 hours of intense afternoon sun may suffice for some. Experiment and adjust seasonally.