The exposure of your garden (sun, half-shade or shade) is a key factor in your choice of plants. To ensure that your landscaping is harmonious, balanced and long-lasting, it’s essential to select species adapted to the available light. Here’s a practical guide to choosing the right plants for your outdoor space.
1. Plants for full sun exposure
A south-facing garden benefits from many hours of direct sunlight. It’s perfect for Mediterranean species, drought-resistant plants and heat-loving flowers.
Plant ideas :
- Lavender: fragrant, robust, attracts pollinators.
- Rosemary: aromatic, tolerates heat well.
- Gaura lindheimeri: light, long-lasting flowering.
- Olive, palm or oleander: for Mediterranean style.
- Agapanthus, rudbeckia, perennial geranium: colorful and bright.
Advice :
Mulching recommended to conserve moisture.
Ensure good drainage to avoid excess water.
2. Plants for half-shade exposure
Semi-shade corresponds to partial sunlight (morning or late afternoon), ideal for many species that can’t tolerate intense sun but still need light.
Plant ideas :
- Hydrangea: generous blooms and varied colors.
- Ferns: graphic foliage, excellent for creating volume.
- Columbine, hosta, heuchera: decorative foliage and fine blooms.
- Camellia: early spring flowering.
Advice :
Cool, moist soil is ideal.
Think about how shade changes with the season (deciduous trees, lower sun in winter).
3. Plants for shady exposure
Shady areas may seem difficult to arrange, but many plants thrive in them, especially those for undergrowth or cool climates.
Plant ideas :
- Astilbe: feathery, colorful blossoms.
- Ivy, periwinkle, pachysandra: hardy ground cover.
- Fuchsia, impatiens: bright blooms even in shade.
- Brunnera, tiarelle: very attractive foliage.
Advice :
Create contrasting foliage to give relief.
Work the soil to aerate it and enrich it with compost.
4. Adapting mixed zones and massifs
Your garden may have several different displays, depending on the time of day and the season. 3D modeling with Creogarden lets you :
- Create harmonious, evolving flowerbeds all year round.
- Visualize exact sunlight zones.
- Choose the plants best suited to each corner of the garden.
To conclude
Choosing the right plants for the right exposure means your garden will flourish, save on upkeep and last longer. At Creogarden, we help you design your garden, taking into account exposure, your tastes and technical constraints.
Want to create a garden that blossoms on its own? Call on our 3D landscape modeling experts!
