When we look at light requirements of a plant we often think of full sun, partial sun or full shade. Did you know there are different kinds of shade?
Shade changes throughout the day as the sun crosses the sky, and by season. Understanding shade type, permanence and density is important when choosing plants that thrive in the light conditions of the garden.
Light and dappled shade are the two easiest shade conditions to raise plants. Light shade is the type of permanent shade cast by a building or wall on sites that are otherwise open to the sky. It also occurs at woodland edges or at the margins of a tree canopy.
Shade that occurs beneath deciduous vegetation will be dappled, forming a moving patchwork of varying intensities of shade that changes with the sun’s daily course. In winter, it almost disappears and in the summer, it becomes more pronounced. Very early spring bloomers can utilize this seasonal effect.
Partial shade may receive two to six hours of direct sun daily. The only plants that fail in this area are ones that absolutely must receive full sun and no shade. An advantage of partial shade is that it may alleviate the scorching effects of midday or afternoon sun. Lettuce does well in this area.
Deep shade occurs beneath dense, evergreen trees or shrubs at the base of high walls or in passageways that run between tall buildings and may be near permanent if little or no direct sunlight strikes the site. Deep shade also may have poor and/or dry soil too. Plants in this area must be shade demanding, not shade tolerant.
Add organic matter to the soil when planting and apply a layer of mulch annually in the spring. Plant 18 inches away from the base of walls to lessen the effects of a rain shadow which is an area of sheltered ground that receives less rain than an open site.
Dry shade is the most difficult area to work with. It occurs in the rain shadow of walls beneath the canopy of dense or evergreen foliage, especially where shallow rooting trees and shrubs are taking all the moisture. Few plants will be able to thrive in dry shade.
Add organic matter at planting time and apply a moisture retentive mulch to damp soil in early spring each year. Dry shade is tolerated by a small range of plants such as comfrey.
Kara Back-Campbell is the Taylor County Extension agent for horticulture. She can be reached at kara.back-campbell@uky.edu.
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