From Full Sun to Full Shade: How Much Sunlight Do Plants Need?
Keep reading to learn more about these terms and how to determine the amount of sunlight your yard receives.
While there are gadgets available that measure sunlight exposure, using gadgets is not an exact science.
The Spruce / David Karoki
If the plants receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight, they should grow well.
Of course, many plants will thrive in more than six to eight hours of daily sun.
These are well-suited tohandle dry growing conditionsonce they become established.
The Spruce / David Karoki
Plants that prefer full sunare by far the largest group of plants you will encounter.
Partial Shade or Partial Sun?
Dappled sunlight is similar to partial shade where the sunlight filters through the branches and foliage of deciduous trees.
The Spruce / David Karoki
Woodland plants, liketrilliumandSolomon’s sealas well as understory trees andshrubs, prefer dappled sunlight.
This is one reason why spring sun-loving bulbs can be successfully planted beneath trees.
However, be aware that many such plants still have a preferred sunlight requirement under which they grow best.
The Spruce / David Karoki
Ultimately, the only measure is to see how well your plants are growing.
Most species can be successfully transplanted.
Defining Sun Requirements for Plants.Kansas State University Extension.
