Sun exposure is another important factor to take into consideration when choosing plants for your yard and garden. While all plants need light to live and grow, the amount of light needed can vary dramatically depending on the plant. Generally, plant labels will have information on the type of sun exposure they need to flourish. The label with have designations ranging from full sun to full shade. Descriptions of these designations can be seen below. They are based on the amount of sun in a 24 hour day. It is important to know the exposure of your site or garden so that you can match your site with the proper plant.

Sun Exposure Designations

Plants that fall into the full sun category need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight during the day. The rest of light for the day should be direct or filtered.


Plants that fall into the partial sun/partial shade category require between 3-6 hours of sun during the day or filtered light for the entire day. These plants also need protection from direct sunlight in the afternoon when it is strongest.


Plants that fall into the full shade category require 3 hours or less of sunlight during the day with the remainder of light being mostly filtered.