Introduction
We’re in what’s called the “dog days of summer,” or the hottest time of year. While most of us enjoy this season, it can be pretty tough on plants that need a lot of water to stay alive. In this article, we’ll talk about some shade loving plants that are perfect for hot weather and how you can keep them healthy when temperatures are high.
What are shade loving plants?
When you think of plants that need shade, you might think of the ones that grow in the deepest, darkest parts of your yard. But when it comes to gardening in warmer climates like Florida and Southern California, shade-loving plants aren’t just those with low light requirements, they’re also those that prefer partial sun.
There are two basic kinds of shade-loving plants: those that can tolerate full sun but prefer partial shade and those that can tolerate full sun or full shade. The difference between these two groups is how much water they need. The former will do fine with a little extra water from time to time; the latter don’t care how much water they get as long as it’s not too hot or dry for them (and most aren’t).
Why do plants need shade?
Plants need shade for many reasons. The biggest reason is to protect them from the sun’s UV rays, which can cause damage to the plant’s leaves and flowers. Plants also need shade because they can overheat if they’re in direct sunlight all day long. If you leave your plants out in high heat and no wind, they will start to show signs of stress such as wilting or drying out quickly (which makes them more susceptible to pests). While some plants may be able to handle hot climates better than others, most plants prefer cooler temperatures with a little breeze so that their leaves are not exposed directly for too long of a period of time.
How much shade do plants need?
You may be wondering how much shade your plants need. Here is a list of some common plants and their ideal amount of light:
- Shade Loving Plants: 4 to 8 hours of sun (partial shade)
- Plants that Need Full Sun: 8 or more hours of sun
- Plants that Need Partial Shade: 4 to 6 hours of sun (partial shade)
- Plants that Need Full Shade: 2 or less hours of sun
What type of shade is best for plants?
There are many types of shade that can be used to protect your plants. If you have a building or wall with an overhang, you can use that as a type of natural shade for your plants. There are also trees and fences that can be used for this purpose as well.
Where can I find shade-loving plants?
If you’re looking for shade-loving plants, consider shrubs, ground covers, vines and evergreen or deciduous plants.
Plants native to your area are the best choice because they are adapted to the climate and tend to be more drought-resistant than those brought in from other regions.
Shady locations are perfect for growing plants!
- Step 1: Find a shady location and plant your shade-loving plants.
- Step 2: Enjoy the view!
Conclusion
Shade-loving plants are a great way to start gardening in warm climates. They’re easy to care for and can grow in any type of soil. The next time you’re ready to spruce up your yard, consider planting some shade-loving plants!
Anns is a contributor at RGardening. We are committed to providing well-researched, accurate, and valuable content to our readers.