Medium shade plants to choose from

Knowing the origin of each species is no small matter. All you have to do is move to find that those plants that grew without problems on our sunny balcony are beginning to wither on the new south-facing terrace with few hours of sun.

We were talking about knowing the origin because if we know if the plants are native to jungles, forests or valleys we can discover their needs. Plants native to the jungle need higher humidity and conditions of partial shadeNot so those that grow in Mediterranean areas, more accustomed to exposure and dryness.

What does the half shadow mean

Maybe you are a beginner and it is difficult for you to know what we mean when we talk about half shadow. Well then, If we have a plant that receives direct sun for a little while, just a few hours or minutes, or if the sun glances at it, for example through the leaves of a palm tree, then it is in half shade, since it is really quite protected from the sun's rays.

In the event that it was exposed directly to the sun, and also throughout the day, we would speak of direct sun or full sun. And on the other hand, if it never gave, then we would be talking about shadow. But beware, do not confuse "putting a plant in shade" with "putting it in a dark place": all plants need light to grow, and if they are put in a dark area, without light, they will die.

Medium shade plants

Do you live in a place with some time of sun? When going to the nursery, choose medium shade plants They are the ones that will best adapt to natural light conditions. For example, those that do well in these light conditions are:

Joy of homeImpatiens walleriana)

The plant known as home joy It is an herb that if the climate is warm can live for several years, but if it is not grown as an annual. It does not usually exceed 60 centimeters, and produces flowers in clusters during spring. It is very adaptable, being able to live in areas of partial shade without problems.

Azalea (Rhododendron simsii y rhodondendron japonica)

While azaleas They are somewhat difficult plants, it is worth having them because when they are well developed they give beautiful flowers. It is a small half-shade plant, less than 1 meter tall, which blooms during the spring and needs a soil rich in organic matter and a lot of watering.

Camellia (Camellia)

La camellia it is another evergreen shrub to keep in mind. Although it can reach 9 meters depending on the species (such as the Camellia sinensis) it is almost never allowed to exceed 2 meters. Its white flowers appear in spring, provided it is watered with rain or acid water, and grows in acidic and well-drained lands. It supports mild frosts, down to -2ºC.

Fuchsia (Fuchsia)

Fuchsia is a plant that draws a lot of attention due to the shape of its very intense pink flowers. It does not exceed 4 meters in height, so it is ideal for growing in pots. But yes, keep in mind that this plant needs a moist and fertile soil. Resists weak frosts.

Gardenia

La Gardenia it is an option to consider. It is an evergreen shrub or tree 1-2 meters high It only needs a few hours of sun (or even less, if you have it in a Mediterranean climate where the degree of insolation is high) and a rich, acidic soil with good drainage. Of course, keep in mind that you need protection if the temperatures drop below -2ºC.

Pelargonium (Pelargonium)

Plants of the genus Pelargonium they receive many names, depending on the species. For example, one of the most cultivated is the pelargonium zonale, known as malvón, or the pelargonium peltatum which we call ivy geranium. But regardless of what they are called, These perennials reach a maximum height of 40 centimeters and they only need a little bit of direct sun each day to bloom and be perfect. Water them from time to time and, if there is frost, put them at home or in a greenhouse so that they do not have a bad time.

Hydrangea (Hydrangea)

If your space receives only a few hours of sun, also think about the hydrangeas. The good thing about them is that do not exceed one meter in height and, above all, that its flowering is long, from spring to early fall. Of course, it needs frequent watering, with rain or slightly acidic water, in addition to acidic and well-drained soil. Resists weak frosts.

Jasmine (Jasminum)

El jasmine is an evergreen climber that grows little, around 3-4 meters high if it has support to climb on. Its characteristic is to have small, white or yellow flowers, about 2 centimeters long and with a sweet aroma. These sprout normally in spring, and they do so in great numbers. It needs soils rich in organic matter, and moderate watering. Supports up to -3ºC.

Dwarf palm (phoenix roebellinii)

One of the palm trees that best tolerate half shade is the dwarf palm. It is about 2 meters tall, and its pinnate leaves are barely a meter long. It grows very well both in the ground and in a pot, and does not need much attention apart from moderate watering and protection against frost (although it supports up to -2ºC).

Peony (Paeonia)

La peony It is also an interesting alternative since excess sun affects it. This plant, which It reaches 1 meter in height depending on the species, it blooms in spring and the ideal is to grow in a soil rich in organic matter, loose and with a good capacity for absorbing and filtering water so that the roots are not flooded. Withstands cold and frost.

Rose bush (Rosa sp)

Do you dream of having rose bushes? Well, if you give them a minimum of 3 hours of sun, they will be fine. These shrubs, from 1 to 10 meters high depending on the species, bloom almost all year round., and they only need rich soil plus moderate watering to grow. Don't forget to prune them from time to time so that they continue to flourish smoothly. They resist moderate frosts well.

Pritchardia minor (Prichardia minor)

The lesser pritchardia is a palm tree that can measure up to 10 meters in height, and develop a trunk about 30 centimeters thick. It has fan-shaped leaves, silver-green in color, and it is a plant that tolerates medium shade very well. Of all the species of the genus Pritchardia, this is one of the most resistant to cold, down to -2,5ºC.

Do you know other half-shade plants?