Full shade
/ˌfʊl ˈʃeɪd/
Definition
Full shade describes a light condition in gardens and landscapes where direct sun is absent for nearly all of the day, or limited to a brief, weak period such as early morning. It commonly occurs under dense tree canopies, beside north-facing walls, or between buildings. Compared with partial shade, full shade has much lower light intensity and less heat, though it is not the same as complete darkness.
Use in Gardening
- Site selection: full shade helps match plants to places under dense tree canopies, along north-facing walls, or beside buildings where direct sun is very limited and reflected light does most of the work.
- Growth response: Plants adapted to full shade often have broader, thinner leaves with more chlorophyll, the green pigment used in photosynthesis, so they can use low light more efficiently than sun-loving plants.
- Flowering and color: In full shade, many ornamental plants bloom less and develop softer, greener foliage, while some variegated forms lose contrast because low light reduces the energy available for strong color expression.
- Care considerations: Soil in full shade usually dries more slowly, so overwatering is a common problem. Air movement may also be lower, which can increase the risk of fungal disease on crowded or damp foliage.
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