QUIZ: Are “Part Sun” and “Part Shade” the Same?
Is there a difference between “part sun” and “part shade”? I’ve seen both on plant tags. Seems like they should mean the same thing.
There is a subtle difference in light preference for a plant labeled "part sun" vs. one that says "part shade." But, essentially, the two terms mean about the same thing.
Both "part sun" and "part shade" refer to a plant that prefers four to six hours of direct sun each day (best if it comes in the first half of the day). The terms are basically interchangeable.
When you see "part sun" used, the grower is stressing that the plant requires at least four hours of sun and will likely do better with closer to six hours.
When you see "part shade" used, the grower is stressing that the plant should not receive more than six hours of sun and will likely do better with less. That's why often you'll see a plant indicated for "part shade to shade" or "full to partial sun."
