Just what is considered “full sun” in the garden and why is it vital to understand?

Direct sunlight without any shady spots?

A full 12 hours of sunlight?

wide shot of backyard garden

Credit:Gabriella Herman

Here, we break down what’s meant by full sun and which plants do best in it.

What is Full Sun for Plants?

Latitude and elevation play a role too.Gardens in the Southreceive more intense sun than those in the North.

close up of sunflower

Credit:Bob Stefko

And gardens at high elevations are brighter than landscapes at sea level.

Part sun means 4 to 6 hours of direct sun, including afternoon sun.

Manyornamental grasseslove full sun, such asfountain grassandbig bluestem.