Basic Light Level Definitions
Full sun - more than 6 hours of direct sun per day
Part sun - 4 to 6 hours of direct sun per day, including some afternoon sun
Part shade - 4 to 6 hours of direct sun per day, mostly before midday (noon)
Full shade - less than 4-hour direct sun per day
How do you tell how much sun you have?
This is best to do in summertime since the sun is the highest and hottest during this time of year.
Find the spot where you would like to plant and keep track of the amount of sun in that spot throughout different times of the day. It is helpful to write down the time, the amount of sun, and the number of hours it gets. Each area in your garden will be different.
Plant labels will have an icon or say how much sun the plant can handle. Pay close attention to its needs as you don’t want to plant it in the wrong spot.
What is Full Sun?
Full sun is defined as more than six hours of direct sun per day, this includes the hottest midday sun.
(Soiree Kawaii Vinca thrives in Full Sun)
What is Part Sun?
Part sun is defined as four to six hours of direct sun per day. Not all those hours need to be all at once, it could mean a few hours of morning sun and a few more in the late afternoon. When a plant prefers part sun, it does need some heat and sun exposure in order to produce flowers and new growth.
(Cat Whiskers aka Orthosiphon Arristatus loves Part Sun/Part Shade)
What is Part Shade?
Part shade is also defined as four to six hours of direct sun per day, the majority of that should be morning hours when the sun's rays are less intense and should be protected from the midday sun.
(Soiree Kawaii Vinca thrives in Full Sun)
What is Part Sun?
Part sun is defined as four to six hours of direct sun per day. Not all those hours need to be all at once, it could mean a few hours of morning sun and a few more in the late afternoon. When a plant prefers part sun, it does need some heat and sun exposure in order to produce flowers and new growth.
(Cat Whiskers aka Orthosiphon Arristatus loves Part Sun/Part Shade)
What is Part Shade?
Part shade is also defined as four to six hours of direct sun per day, the majority of that should be morning hours when the sun's rays are less intense and should be protected from the midday sun.
(Anthuriums do best with Part Shade along with morning sun)
What is Full Shade?
Full shade is defined as less than four hours of direct sun per day. Full shade loving plants do enjoy a few hours of morning sun each day.
(Calathea aka Prayer Plant prefers Full Shade and tolerates early morning sun)
The definitions of sun and shade are easier to understand when you consider only the number of hours of direct sun the plants are receiving.
However, you'll need to factor in the sun's intensity, too. Since we’re closer to the equator, the sun's rays are more intense and hotter than in northern climates. As a result, some sun loving plants will need bit protection from the midday sun in the summer to prevent scorching and may need to be watered more often.
Our plant yard associates are here to answer any questions you have and to help you pick out what’s right for your home and garden space.