Is my yard “partial sun” or “shade” and how important is that, really?

I’m trying to figure out what I can grow in my front yard. My house faces North and the flower beds in the front seem to never be in direct sunlight. To me that would imply “shade.”



But there is a hydrangea plant in my flowerbed that bloomed last year, and when I was plant shopping last night, the ones I saw said they were good for full sun and partial shade. I also seem to have daffodils coming up in the same flowerbeds. I though those were also plants that needed full sun.



In fact, the only plant I could find for partial shade to shade was something that looked like an elephant ear but was red. (Not so good with the plant names…). It wasn’t unattractive, but I’d like just a little more variety.



So how do I know which category my yard falls into?

Dos it really matter if I put a partial sun plant into a shaded area? Will it actually not grow, or will it just grow less than it could have?
Is my yard “partial sun” or “shade” and how important is that, really?
The north side of the house is considered partial shade. Hydrangea and daffodil do just fine on this side of the house because they are receiving bright indirect sun. Choose any plant that says part sun or part shade to full shade. You won't usually find a very good selection at your local 5 and dime store. Go to a real garden center or shop on line to find great plants you'll be happy with. Check my sites below.

PS Yes it does matter what the label says. Sometimes your plant will grow in other situations but not to there potential.
Reply:Too much sun will burn some plants. If the area is in the sun all the time, no trees etc to shade it, it is full sun.

Part sun means sun some time but not all the time.

Shaded is no or very little sun.



A partial sun plant in a shaded area may grow, just depends on the conditions combined.



Just see what works best for you. Supposedly, you cannot grow roses bushes in containers but I can. I live in an apartment and have no yard do so all of my plants are in containers.
Reply:there is such a thing as micro-climate. this is where the area is affected by something eg close to house and so behaves differently.

The thing is that you can plant what you want. If it grows great - it is happy. If it doesn't then the situation is not to it's needs.

also when it comes to shade and sun it also depends on when the area is sunny.

Just enjoy.

There are a lot of plants that will be happy in many places. maybe they won't be as enormous as they might be elsewhere but just try. Don't be foolish in your choices as some plants have definite needs.

What I have learned is that the worst thing that cna happen is the plant becomes compost.
Reply:If your not seeing direct sunlight, then it's not full sun. Some plants and bushes recommended for full sun will grow for a few years in partial sun or shady areas, but will not be as full or flowers as well. Eventually they may die out completely, as they never quite get the light they need to store up the energy for the next year. There are a lot of plants and shrubs that grow best in shade or indirect sun. I've listed a link to one company that I typed "shade" into their search to give you ideas for plants to look for in your area. Shade gardens can be like a walk in the woods-lush ferns, lacey red and pink astilbe.
Reply:If you put sun plants in a shadier area than they're supposed to be, watch how much you water them. They may need more fertilizer if you get something that flowers...



Mona lavender is good for shade/part sun



It has purple flowers in the fall with an interesting scent. It's a member of the mint family if that helps.



There are many varieties of ferns that you can get too. Japanese painted fern is a beautiful variation.



When you go to the plant store, just ask one of the people there for help with shade/part sun plants. At the very least they'll point you in the right direction.