Shade Vs. Sun and How do I know?!

Spring is here and it’s time to bring out the shorts, sandals, and your favourite gardening hat. Before you know it, you’re up to your knees in a freshly dug flower bed and wondering, “How in the world do I fill this spot? There’s hardly any sun!“

Look no farther! I am going to go through some plants that are perfect for those shady areas and some plants that will amaze you in places where there is hardly any shade at all. We will also review how to find this information on your flower tag.

It is often easier to first discuss plants that are good for those shady areas of your garden. As Barbara Dalrymple often reminds me, plants do not like the extremes. Even the most shade loving plant still needs some sunlight to grow. Here is a list of some plants that do well in shady areas:

• Begonias

• Impatiens

• Lobelia

• Fuschia

• Double Rosebud Impatiens

• Coleus

For those very hot areas of your garden, I do love the color and durability of the Mini Cascade Geranium. It’s trailing pink or red flowers can stand up to the wind and heat every year. Some other full sun plants include:

• Petunias

• Salvia

• Asters

• Portulaca

• Zinnias

• Marigolds

• Geraniums

If you are unsure whether or not your plants enjoy the sun or prefer the shade, the first place I like to look is on the back of the flower tag included with all of our plants. They will often indicate Shade, Partial Sun, Partial Shade, or Full Sun.

Please be sure to reach out to your local gardening centre if you still have questions about this!

Shade vs. Sun on your flower tag.