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Is this a sunny or shady spot?

euwvy9qkeuwvy9qk Posts: 2
in Garden design
We're turning our attention to a part of our garden that only gets the sun for about three hours a day, but those three hours are 12 - 3 pm.   One-half of the household says we should focus on plants that like full sun as it's a real sun-trap for those peak hours, the other counters "but it's in the shade for most of the time the sun is out".  Which way to go?
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  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445
    I'd choose plants that aren't too fussy either way. Look at the soil as well


    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    I think that's partial shade. Full sun would be something like minimum 5 or 6 hours sun per day (when it's not overcast) from spring to autumn. When choosing plants, bear in mind that partial shade is different from dappled shade where plants never get the full blast of the sun.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 24,043
    Part of our garden is like that. I agree with @JennyJ, partial shade. Plant plants that say sun and part shade or tolerate shade on the label, but not full sun or shade.
    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    If the three hours sun a day is what you're getting now, not long after the spring equinox, you might get a bit more in high summer.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    Be careful with plants liked red acers. They can go crispy in those few hours of strong sun. We had to move ours.
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    Yes, dappled shade is good for Japanese Acers (and shelter from wind).
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I'd agree with @nutcutlet, but the timing is a big factor, as @JennyJ says.
    The parts of my garden which get around 3 hours of sun in the middle of the day just now, will be in full sun in summer, ie more than five or six hours.
    In an area where there's shade from other planting or fences/walls etc, that changes the effect on plants, so if there's still only 3 hours or so in summer, it suggests it's tucked in somewhere, or has that protection.   
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    edited March 2023
    The RHS states various categories of shade which makes interesting reading, including some tips on what to grow:

    Shade gardening / RHS Gardening

    I'd be inclined to choose a mix of plants that you like and accept that some of the sun lovers might not flower as well as they would in full sun. Avoid any known shade lovers though as the afternoon sun won't suit them. The soil type and water retention qualities will also influence how happy the plants are.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • punkdocpunkdoc Posts: 15,039
    There is also a big difference between a plant which is sun/shade tolerant and one which thrives in sun/shade.
    How can you lie there and think of England
    When you don't even know who's in the team

    S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Indeed @punkdoc, and as @nutcutlet says - the effect on the soil is also included.
    Could be very dry in the site.

    Have you got a photo @euwvy9qk? That could help with more accurate advice  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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