Let There Be Light

Choosing the Right Annuals for Every Lighting Condition

April 20, 2025

Not sure which annuals to plant in sun or shade? Learn the difference between full sun, partial sun, partial shade, and full shade — plus which flowers thrive in each! Expert advice from Scott’s Nursery in New Brunswick.
Title

What Do “Full Sun,” “Partial Sun,” “Partial Shade,” and “Full Shade” Really Mean?

At Scott’s Nursery, one of the most common questions we hear is, “Will this plant do well in my garden?” And one of the biggest factors in that answer is light. Whether you’re planting a container on your deck or designing a flower bed, understanding light conditions is key to helping your annuals bloom their best.

 

Let’s break it down in garden-friendly terms:

 

Full Sun means 6 or more hours of direct sunlight per day. This usually means a south-facing garden, open lawn, or sunny deck where light pours in from late morning through afternoon. Think: bright, hot, sun-drenched spots.

 

Partial Sun refers to 4–6 hours of sunlight per day, ideally including some strong midday or afternoon light. These plants like the sun but can handle a little bit of shade — perfect for east or west-facing gardens.

 

Partial Shade is also 4–6 hours, but these plants prefer morning sun or dappled light. Afternoon heat can be too intense. You’ll often find these conditions under open trees or near structures that cast shade later in the day.

 

Full Shade is fewer than 3 hours of direct sun per day. These are your deeply shaded areas — under dense tree canopies or on the north side of a house. While fewer flowers thrive here, there are still beautiful options for colour and texture.

 

Tip from the greenhouse: Sunlight patterns shift throughout the season. Take note of your garden’s lighting in spring, midsummer, and early fall — a spot that’s shady in May might get a lot more sun in July!
Title

Why Annuals Have Different Light Needs

Just like people have preferences for warm weather or cooler days, plants have evolved with specific lighting preferences based on where they naturally grow. Understanding the why behind these needs can make you a more confident gardener — and save you from wondering why that petunia looks sad in the shade.

 

Here’s what’s happening behind the scenes:

Sun-Loving Annuals

These plants are like solar panels — they need lots of direct light to produce energy through photosynthesis, the process that fuels growth and flowers. They usually have:

  • Thicker or smaller leaves to prevent moisture loss
  • Strong, upright stems to support tons of blooms
  • A high energy demand — more sun = more flowers

When these plants don’t get enough sun, they often become leggy, pale, and produce fewer blooms. You’ll notice stems stretching toward the light in an effort to find the sun.

Shade-Loving Annuals

On the flip side, shade-lovers are experts at making the most of limited light. These plants tend to:

  • Have broad, thinner leaves that soak up every bit of available light
  • Thrive in cooler, moist conditions
  • Be more sensitive to direct sun and heat, which can scorch their foliage or cause wilting

In too much sun, shade plants can become stressed or even develop sunburn (yes, plants can burn!).

 

So why does this matter for your garden?
Choosing plants based on their natural light needs sets you — and your annuals — up for a season of healthy growth and vibrant blooms. Whether you’ve got a bright open yard or a cozy shaded corner, there’s an annual for that.
Title

Annual Flowers by Light Category

New Brunswick gardens come with their own mix of weather quirks — from chilly spring mornings to warm midsummer afternoons. That means choosing annuals that match both your light levels and local climate is the key to success.

 

Below, we’ve listed some of the best-performing annuals for each light category, all well-suited to our Zone 4b–5a growing conditions here in the Maritimes.

Full Sun 

(6+ Hours of Direct Sunlight Daily)

These heat- and sun-loving annuals thrive in bright, open areas like south-facing beds, driveway edges, and open patios:
  • Petunias
  • Marigolds
  • Zinnias
  • Geraniums (Pelargonium)
  • Salvia
  • Verbena
  • Celosia
  • Cosmos
  • Sunflowers
  • Portulaca (Moss Rose)

🌱 Scott’s Tip: Use slow-release fertilizer to fuel these bloomers all season long, and water deeply during dry spells.

Partial Sun 

(4–6 Hours of Sunlight Daily)

Perfect for spots that get either morning or afternoon sun, like the east or west sides of your home. These annuals enjoy sun, but appreciate a bit of relief:

  • Snapdragons
  • Nasturtiums
  • Lobelia (upright varieties)
  • Ageratum
  • Dianthus
  • Calendula
  • Impatiens (SunPatiens varieties)

🌱 Scott’s Tip: In containers, rotate these plants weekly to ensure even light exposure and full, symmetrical growth.

Partial Shade 

(3–6 Hours, Preferably Morning Sun)

Partial shade areas are often under open tree canopies or beside fences. These plants love morning light but need protection from harsh afternoon rays:

  • Begonias (fibrous & tuberous)
  • Fuchsias
  • Impatiens (standard varieties)
  • Coleus (most varieties)
  • Torenia (Wishbone Flower)
  • Caladium

🌱 Scott’s Tip: Tuberous begonias and fuchsias are especially beautiful in hanging baskets sheltered from the midday sun.

Full Shade 

(<3 Hours of Direct Sunlight Daily)

These areas don’t get much direct sun, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of options! These plants perform well in cool, shaded environments:

  • Browallia
  • Torenia (some varieties)
  • Impatiens (shade types)
  • Coleus (shade varieties)
  • Ferns and foliage-focused annuals

🌱 Scott’s Tip: Use brightly colored containers or light mulch to reflect indirect light and brighten up shady corners.
Title

Lighting Challenges? 
Here’s How to Help Your Plants Thrive

If your garden doesn’t fit neatly into the “full sun” or “full shade” category — don’t worry. You’re not alone. Many gardeners deal with shifting light, tree shadows, and unpredictable weather (especially here in the Maritimes!). The good news is, you’ve got options.

Here are some expert-approved ways to work with what you’ve got:

 

1. Track the Sun

 

Before planting, observe your space over a full day. Use your phone’s clock or a simple notepad to record when areas get direct sun, when they’re shaded, and how that changes from morning to evening. Light levels shift a lot from spring to midsummer — even one extra hour of sun can change what thrives there!

 

2. Thin or Prune Trees

 

Got dappled shade from trees? That’s often great for partial shade annuals. But a light pruning can open things up for more morning or afternoon light. Focus on trimming lower branches or overly dense sections — it makes a big difference without harming the tree.

 

3. Use Containers for Flexibility

 

Not sure where the best light is? Moveable containers are your best friend. You can follow the sun across your yard, reposition mid-season, or even pop them up on a sunny deck rail or stair landing. Bonus: they’re also easier to water and feed!

 

4. Reflect and Redirect Light

 

Light-colored mulch, stone, or fences can help bounce extra light into shaded corners. Some gardeners even place decorative mirrors (yes, mirrors!) in deep shade gardens to reflect light toward plants. Just be sure it’s indirect — too much bounce can still overheat delicate shade-lovers.

 

5. Don’t Forget to Test and Tweak

 

Gardening is as much art as science. If a plant isn’t thriving in its current spot, try moving it. A pot that’s too shady today might be just right in two weeks as the angle of the sun changes.

 

You don’t need a “perfect” garden space to grow healthy, vibrant annuals. With a little creativity and observation, you can match the right plant to almost any spot — and watch it bloom.
Title

Expert Tips to Get the Best from Your Annuals (No Matter the Light)

Once you’ve matched your annuals to the right lighting conditions, there are a few extra steps you can take to help them really shine. These tips are straight from our growers and greenhouse team — they work in our own gardens, and they’ll work in yours too.

 

1. Deadhead for More Blooms

 

Many annuals — especially in full sun — love to bloom their heads off. But they need your help to keep the show going. Deadheading (pinching off spent blooms) encourages the plant to keep producing flowers instead of seeds. Look for:

  • Petunias
  • Marigolds
  • Geraniums
  • Zinnias

They’ll reward you with wave after wave of colour all season long.

 

2. Water with Intention

  • Full sun plants often need deep watering (think: long soak once or twice a week, depending on weather).
  • Shade plants tend to prefer lighter, more frequent waterings, especially if their area stays cool and damp.

Pro tip: Stick your finger in the soil. If the top 1–2 inches are dry, it’s time to water!

 

3. Feed Your Flowers

 

Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer when planting, and follow up with a liquid boost every 2–3 weeks during heavy blooming periods. This is especially important for sun-loving bloomers like:

  • Petunias
  • Calibrachoa
  • Geraniums

Shade plants don’t need as much, but a light feeding now and then keeps them lush and healthy.

 

4. Rotate Containers

 

If you’re growing in pots, give them a quarter turn every week. This prevents plants from growing lopsided toward the light and encourages fuller, rounder growth. Especially useful for:

  • Partial sun areas
  • Front step or deck arrangements
  • Hanging baskets

5. Don’t Panic If Things Shift

 

Seasons change. Trees fill in. Shade deepens. You might find your full sun bed in May is partial shade by July. It’s OK! Many annuals are surprisingly adaptable. Keep an eye on how your plants respond — and don’t be afraid to adjust or swap them around mid-season.

 

Whether you’re creating a riot of colour in full sun or bringing a pop of beauty to a shady spot, there’s an annual out there that’s perfect for your space. And if you're ever unsure, bring us a photo of your garden — we’re always happy to help match the right plant to your light.
Title

Let the Light Lead the Way

Gardening with annuals is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to add colour, personality, and joy to your outdoor spaces. But success starts with understanding your light. Whether your garden basks in all-day sunshine or sits in the calm, cool shade, there’s a perfect annual ready to thrive there — and we’re here to help you find it.

 

By learning the difference between full sun and full shade, choosing plants that match your space, and using a few expert tricks to optimize light, you’ll be well on your way to lush, blooming containers and beds that last all summer long.
Title

Need Help Picking Plants?

Bring in a photo of your garden, patio, or balcony — or just tell us what kind of light your space gets. Our team at Scott’s Nursery in Lincoln will help you choose the right annuals for your unique conditions. Whether you’re a first-time gardener or a seasoned green thumb, we’ve got the advice (and the plants) to help you grow with confidence.

 

Happy planting!

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