A preference for part shade means that a plant needs 3-6 hours of sunlight per day.
This can be morning sun or afternoon sun. Some plants have a preference of one over the other, and others do not.
In most regions, sunlight is most direct in the afternoon. So morning sun is less intense, while afternoon sun is less intense. This should be considered when deciding whether to place a part-sun plant in an area with morning or afternoon sun.
Here are the plants we have covered so far that prefer part-shade conditions:
The following plants prefer full sun but will tolerate part shade:
- Artichoke
- Bok choy
- Cabbage
- Calendula
- Catmint
- Catnip
- Celery
- Chamomile
- Cilantro
- Cucumbers
- Echinacea
- Fennel
- Feverfew
- Green beans
- Kale
- Komatsuna
- Lemon balm
- Lettuce
- Mizuna
- Motherwort
- Orach
- Parsley
- Parsnips
- Peas
- Peppermint
- Radishes
- Rosemary
- Roses
- Sage
- Spinach
- Tarragon
Sun recommendations can vary by region. Plants grown in hot regions or in warmer conditions may need more shade than standard suggestions.
In other words, some of the plants listed above as only tolerating (but not preferring) part shade may actually require part shade, not full sun, when grown in tropical and subtropical areas as well as areas with very direct sun or very hot summers.
Many spinaches, for example, will bolt if the temperature exceeds 75°F or if it is around 70°F with very direct sunlight. If grown in spring or fall, they generally grow best and fastest in full sun. But planting spinach in part shade may enable it to survive longer into the summer and to possibly survive temperatures into the 80s.
Further Reading
Check out these other articles about other sun conditions:
- Gardening in Dappled Shade
- Gardening in Full Shade
- Gardening in Full Sun
- What Does "Full Sun to Part Shade" Mean?