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Sun

When it comes to growing plants, sunlight plays a crucial role in several key factors. Here is a breakdown of the main ones:

Quantity (Intensity):

  • Amount of light: Plants require a specific amount of daily sunlight for optimal growth, depending on the species. This can range from full sun (8+ hours) to partial shade (4-6 hours), to full shade (less than 4 hours).
  • Seasonal variations: The amount of sunlight naturally fluctuates throughout the year. In summer, longer days provide more light, while winter days are shorter. Consider seasonal light changes when choosing plants and planning your garden layout.
  • Manipulation: You can manipulate light quantity for specific goals. Use reflective materials or grow lights to increase light, or shade cloths to decrease it.

Quality (Wavelength):

  • Color spectrum: Sunlight comprises a range of colors (wavelengths). Plants primarily absorb blue and red light for photosynthesis, while reflecting green, which is why they appear green.
  • Specific effects: Blue light influences vegetative growth (leaves, stems), while red light, especially in combination with blue, promotes flowering and fruiting. Understanding these effects can help you choose the right light types for specific plant needs.

Other factors to consider:

  • Daylight duration: Aside from total light hours, the distribution of light throughout the day can matter. Some plants prefer consistent light, while others benefit from morning or afternoon sun exposure.
  • Light intensity: Too much intense light can stress and damage plants, especially in hot climates. Consider providing afternoon shade or choosing heat-tolerant varieties.
  • Acclimatization: Gradually introduce seedlings to outdoor light to avoid scorching.

By understanding these sunlight factors, you can create an environment that optimizes growth and health for your chosen plants. Remember, research the specific needs of your plant varieties for the best results starting with the following sunny varieties:

  • Dicentra spectabilis Gold Heart 
Photos courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc Dicentra spectabilis Gold Heart 
Photos courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc

    Dicentra s. 'Gold Heart' (20)ct Flats

    Dicentra spectabilis 'Gold Heart' (20)ct FlatCommon Name: Old-Fashioned Bleeding Heart A bright twist on a classic perennial! Radiant yellow foliage absolutely glows in spring, creating a brilliant focal point in the shade garden. Arching sprays of...

    $204.91
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  • Dicentra spectabilis Alba 25 BR Plants
Photos courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc Dicentra spectabilis Alba 25 BR Plants
Photos courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc

    Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba' (25) BR Plants

    Dicentra spectabilis 'Alba' (25) Bare Root PlantsCommon Name: Old-Fashioned Bleeding Heart, Common Bleeding Heart Every bit as charming as the pink form, 'Alba' forms large, bushy clumps of powdery-light green foliage comprised of cut or lobed...

    $248.65
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  • Dicentra spectabilis 25 BR Plants
Photos courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc Dicentra spectabilis (25) BR Plants

    Dicentra spectabilis (25) BR Plants

    Dicentra spectabilis (25) Bare Root PlantsCommon Name: Old-Fashioned Bleeding Heart, Common Bleeding Heart A classic charmer! One of the oldest but still irreplaceable perennials in cultivation. Old-fashioned Bleeding Hearts form large, bushy clumps of...

    $229.16
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  • Digitalis p Candy Mountain 30ct Flat
Photos courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc Digitalis p Candy Mountain 30ct Flat
Photos courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc

    Digitalis p. 'Candy Mountain' (30)ct Flat

    Digitalis purpurea 'Candy Mountain' (30)ct FlatCommon Name: Common Foxglove A rare first! 'Candy Mountain' is the first foxglove ever to have upward-facing flowers instead of the usual downward-facing ones. With this new angle, viewers can easily see the...

    $169.74
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  • Digitalis p. 'Dalmatian Peach' (30)ct Flat Digitalis p Dalmatian Peach 30ct Flat
Photos courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc

    Digitalis p. 'Dalmatian Peach' (30)ct Flat

    Digitalis purpurea 'Dalmatian Peach' (30)ct FlatDalmatian SeriesCommon Name: Common Foxglove This fast growing, first year flowering perennial foxglove received high scores in German trials. It ranked high due to its strong growth habit, floridity, and...

    $166.10
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  • Digitalis p Dalmatian Purple 30ct Flat Digitalis p Dalmatian Purple 30ct Flat

    Digitalis p. 'Dalmatian Purple' (30)ct Flat

    Digitalis purpurea 'Dalmatian Purple' (30)ct Flat Dalmatian Series Common Name: Foxglove This improvement over 'Dalmatian Purple' displays greater vigor, better uniformity, and an earlier bloom time. The Dalmatian Foxgloves are some of the fastest to...

    $166.10
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  • Digitalis p. Foxy Digitalis p. Foxy

    Digitalis p. 'Foxy' (4) 1-gallons

    Digitalis p. 'Foxy' (4) 1-gallons Common Name: foxglove. Zone (3) 4 to 8 (9). Sun to part shade. Mature foliage height 36 to 40 inches and width 12 to 18 inches,clump forming herbaceous perennial. Tall spikes in pastel shades of purple, pink, red,...

    $113.28
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  • Echinacea Butter Pecan PPAF 30ct Flat Echinacea Butter Pecan PPAF 30ct Flat

    Echinacea 'Butter Pecan' PPAF (30)ct Flat

    Echinacea 'Butter Pecan' PPAF CPBRAF - Proven Winners® DOUBLE CODED Collection (30)ct Flat Common Name: ConeflowerA complementing series of fully double Coneflowers to the single flowered COLOR CODED® collection. Varieties in this series have...

    $281.48
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  • Echinacea Cheyenne Spirit 30ct Flat Echinacea 'Cheyenne Spirit'
Photos courtesy of Ball Horticultural Company

    Echinacea 'Cheyenne Spirit' (30)ct Flat

    Echinacea 'Cheyenne Spirit' (30)ct Flat Common Name: Coneflower A dynamic mixed color strain of Echinaceas, the first of its kind offered from seed. In our trials, we marveled at the incredible color range of these first year-flowering perennials...

    $181.45
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