One of the first questions we ask when helping someone choose plants for their home is, “How much sun does that area get?” Usually followed by, “Is it direct sun or filtered light?” and “Is it morning sun or afternoon sun?” That last one matters more than most people realize since afternoon sun typically comes with higher temperatures as the day heats up. All of these questions help us do one thing: match you with a plant that will actually thrive in that space. Of course, sunlight isn’t the only factor that affects plant success. Things like soil, moisture, and placement all play a role! But let’s focus on light for now!

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Most plants are typically labeled with one of these three sun exposure requirements - Full Sun, Part Sun or Part Shade, and Full Shade. You can also find information about what light requirements your specific plants needs online, in gardening books and catalogs, or right here on our website using the Plant Finder tool! Below are some of our definitions to help you better understand the standard sun exposure terms you’ll see on plant tags and in gardening guides so you can confidently evaluate the light conditions in your own landscape or garden space.​

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Full Sun

 

​​For an area to be considered full sun, it doesn’t have to be bright from sunrise to sunset. Generally, full sun means a space receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.

 

Full sun can be a little tricky sometimes. It doesn't always mean 6 or more hours of sunlight and you're good to go.

Many plants need that amount of light to set buds and produce strong blooms, yes. However, some varieties struggle with the intense heat and dry conditions that often come with long hours of afternoon sun. One way to work around this is by placing more sensitive plants where they’ll receive plenty of morning sun rather than late afternoon sun as morning light is typically cooler and less harsh. There are also plenty of plants as well that thrive in extended sun exposure and can tolerate drier conditions once they’re established. No matter which full sun plants you choose, applying a thick layer of mulch will help conserve soil moisture and keep roots cooler during the hottest parts of the day and season.

 

All in all, most of the time, as long as the "full-sun-requiring" plant receives six or more hours of direct sunlight, it should perform well.​

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Partial Sun / Partial Shade

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These two terms are often used interchangeably because both typically fall in the 3–6 hours of direct sunlight per day range — ideally during the cooler morning hours. However, there is a subtle but important difference:

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When a plant is labeled part sun, the emphasis is on making sure it receives enough sunlight to perform well. These plants usually need several hours of direct sun to properly set flowers or produce fruit. They don’t require a full day of blazing sun, but they do lean more toward the “sun-loving” side of the spectrum. Sometimes finding the right spot takes a little experimenting. If a plant labeled part sun isn’t flowering or growing as expected, the issue is often simple — it likely needs more direct sunlight.

 

When a plant is labeled part shade, the focus shifts slightly. These plants still benefit from 3–6 hours of sunlight, but they require protection from intense late-afternoon heat.

Part shade plants are generally more sensitive to strong, direct sun — especially during the hottest part of the day. Morning sun combined with afternoon shade is often ideal. This can be achieved by planting on the east side of a home or building, or in a location where a nearby tree provides filtered light or casts shade later in the day.​

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Full Shade

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Full shade does not mean no light at all. Even shade-loving plants need some light to survive.

 

Full shade areas usually receive less than 3 hours of direct sunlight per day, or they may receive mostly indirect or filtered light throughout the day. North-facing foundations, heavily wooded areas, and spots blocked by structures often fall into this category. Plants suited for full shade are adapted to lower light conditions and can struggle quickly if exposed to strong, direct sun. However, many shade plants offer beautiful foliage, interesting textures, and even blooms — proving that low light doesn’t mean low impact.

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So what is filtered(dappled) light and why does it say that on my plant's information card?

 

Filtered / Dappled Sun Isn’t a “Category” so to speak - It’s a Light Quality.

 

Filtered or dappled sun refers to how sunlight reaches a plant, not necessarily how long it reaches it.

It’s simply this: sunlight that passes through something (usually tree branches) creating shifting patterns of light and shade throughout the day. Think of the light under a mature locust or walnut tree with their thin wispy foliage during their growing seasons. It’s not solid shade, but it’s not full or unobstructed sun either.

 

You can have:

• Dappled light that still equals 6+ hours (functionally full sun, but softened)

• Dappled light for 3–4 hours (more like part shade)

• Bright shade all day with very little direct sunlight

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So filtered/dappled sun is more about intensity and diffusion than duration.

It's all about location.

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How to know the difference.

 

Understanding your light conditions doesn’t have to be complicated! It just takes a little observation.

 

Start by watching the area throughout the day. Notice when the sun first hits the space and when it leaves. Keeping in mind of course that morning sun is cooler and gentler, while afternoon sun is stronger and hotter.

A simple way to measure is to check the space every hour or two on a sunny day and estimate how many hours it receives direct sunlight. Try to do this during late spring or summer when the sun is higher and days are longer, that will give you the most accurate picture. 

Also try to pay attention to what might be affecting the light: Nearby trees - especially once they fully leaf out, fences and neighboring buildings, overhangs or roof lines, and seasonal changes in sun angle. As the sun changes angle season to season obviously so will the light patterns throughout the year. Just remember an area that feels sunny in early spring may become much shadier once trees fill in and the sun changes.

 

If you’re ever unsure, take a few photos at different times of day or make note of the hours of sun exposure and bring that information with you. We’re always happy to help you sort it out and match you with plants that will thrive in your specific space.

 

At the end of the day, the right plant in the right light makes all the difference.