Annual Flowers for Part Shade

Partial Shade

• Partial shade refers to areas that receive between two to four hours of sunlight a day, but the intensity of the light it receives affects the exact type of annuals that thrive in the area. A few hours of morning light differs from a few hours of noonday sun. Observe the area for several days to determine the time and length of light exposure the area receives. Take note of any structures that may cast shade on the area as the season progresses. Trellises may become filled with shade-casting vines, and deciduous trees may block the sun when in full foliage.

Dappled Shade

• Dappled light through the canopy of trees, lattice work or trellises provides filtered light to your annuals throughout the day, but does not allow direct sunlight to reach the area. Some refer to this as part shade, but its effect on growing plants differs from either morning or afternoon sun. In southern climates where the run's rays are intense during the summer, annuals typically grown in direct sun may thrive in areas with dappled shade. In northern climates with low-intensity rays from the sun, only those plants that thrive in shade can be grown successfully in areas of dappled shade.

Morning Light

• Many annuals thrive with strong morning light, even if the area becomes shaded for the rest of the day. Annuals such a petunias, lobelia, impatiens, fuchsias and begonias enjoy the morning light and afternoon shade. Generally, annuals labeled for part shade do well in areas that receive morning light.

Afternoon Sun

• Shaded areas that receive direct sun during the afternoon require annuals able to withstand the heat of the day. Plants such as cosmos, daisies and zinnias may perform well in areas that receive shade during the morning and a few hours of direct sunlight in the afternoon. Typically, areas that receive more than two hours of direct sun in the afternoon are treated as full-sun areas, particularly in southern climates.