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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:

  • Calamagrostis a Hello Spring 30ct Flat Calamagrostis a Hello Spring 30ct Flat

    Calamagrostis a. Hello Spring! (30)ct Flat

    Calamagrostis acutiflora Hello Spring!™ (30)ct FlatCommon Name: Feather Reed Grass, Ornamental Grass An arching variegated Feather Reed Grass varying from the typical upright habits of market cultivars. Leaves have wide creamy white margins edging...

    $207.69
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  • Campanula c. 'Rapido Blue' (30)ct Flat Campanula c. 'Rapido Blue' (30)ct Flat

    Campanula c. 'Rapido Blue' (30)ct Flat

    Campanula carpatica 'Rapido Blue' (30)ct FlatRapido SeriesCommon Name: Carpathian Bellflower, Carpathian Harebell One of the earliest blooming C. carpatica types on the market with good vigor and uniformity. 1½-2" cup shaped, violet blue flowers...

    $172.86
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  • Ceratostigma plumbaginoides 3.5 inch pot Ceratostigma plumbaginoides 3.5 inch pot

    Ceratostigma plumbaginoides (3.5 inch pot)

    Ceratostigma plumbaginoides (3.5-inch pot)Common Name: Plumbago, Leadwort A groundcover that provides interest in late summer, after many other perennials are finished blooming, Leadwort is hard to beat. The foliage is green during the summer, then...

    $4.57
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  • Chrysogonum v Pierre 3.5 inch pot Chrysogonum v. 'Pierre' (3.5 inch pot)

    Chrysogonum v. 'Pierre' (3.5 inch pot)

    Chrysogonum virginianum 'Pierre' (3.5-inch pot)Common name: Green and Gold Height: 4-6 InchesSpread: 18-24 InchesHardiness Zone: 5 - 9Sun to ShadeFull Sun requires ample waterShade will not bloom as wellBlooms yellow - Spring into SummerRequires...

    $4.60
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  • Clematis Rain Dance PPAF 10 Plants Clematis Rain Dance PPAF 10 Plants

    Clematis 'Rain Dance' PP33875 (25) BR Plants

    Clematis 'Rain Dance' PP33875 (25) Bare Root PlantsCommon Name: Bush Clematis We've done it again with a beautiful bush clematis from Walters Gardens hybridizing, this time with flowers as large as what you'd see on a vine clematis. Incredibly large...

    $261.65
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  • Clematis 'Stand by Me Pink' PPAF (25) BR Plants Clematis 'Stand by Me Pink' PPAF (25) BR Plants

    Clematis 'Stand by Me Pink' PPAF (25) BR Plants

    Clematis 'Stand by Me Pink' PPAF CPBRAF (25) Bare Root PlantsCommon Name: Bush Clematis The latest companion to 'Stand By Me' Bush Clematis; varying from the original with pink flowers instead of blue. Compared with traditional vining clematis, 'Stand By...

    $305.70
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  • Clematis Stand by Me PPAF 25 BR Plants Clematis Stand by Me PPAF 25 BR Plants

    Clematis 'Stand by Me' PP30556 (25) BR Plants

    Clematis 'Stand by Me' PP30556 CPBR6257 (25) Bare Root PlantsCommon Name: Bush Clematis This non-vining Clematis is completely herbaceous, meaning that it dies back to the ground at the end of the growing season. Blue bell-shaped flowers appear from late...

    $306.69
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  • Crocosmia 'Lucifer' (25) BR Plants Crocosmia Lucifer
Photos courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc

    Crocosmia 'Lucifer' (25) BR Plants

    Crocosmia 'Lucifer' (25) Bare Root CormsCommon Name: Montbretia Regarded as one of the hardiest cultivars, 'Lucifer' adds a tropical flair to northern gardens. Beginning in midsummer and continuing into early fall in some climates, brilliant flame red...

    $108.76
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