So be sure to plant your broadleaf evergreens and evergreen perennials, such as Helianthemum (Rock Rose), in a spot where they are more shaded during the winter. High-intensity sunshine combined with frozen soil prevents the foliage from transpiring (losing moisture through the leaves to cool the plant). Too much sun during Western winters can result in burned foliage. This is an important consideration for broadleaf evergreen plants in cold climates. This Creeping Thyme is a garden treasure. This can change a sunny location into a shady location. Sunny Winters in Cold Areas of The West - During winter, the sun is lower in the sky, and the angle of the sunlight shifts. So plant for current sunlight conditions and understand that in five or more years, you may need to change out your plants as conditions become more shady. Wild mountain thyme Thyme Plant, Thyme Herb, Flowers And Leaves. What was once a sunny spot may gradually change to part or full shade conditions. Flower Close Up, Little Flowers, Thyme Flower, Wild Thyme, Beginning Of Spring. New Homes - In new housing developments, sunlight conditions will change over time as trees mature. Hot Summer Weather - When day temperatures begin to regularly exceed 90◦F, many plants will benefit from afternoon shade. ![]() So variegated plants will do best in part sun, dappled, or full shade. Variegated Plants - Plants with variegated foliage will always need less sun that the same species with green leaves. Along with the humid, hazy skies, the strength of the sun's rays are greatly diluted by the time they reach the ground, whereas in the high elevation areas of New Mexico, our 300+ days of cloudless skies and lack of humidity and haze fail to dull the strength of our intense sunshine.Įlevation generally has a huge effect on the sun's intensity the higher above sea level, the stronger the sunshine, and the higher the ultra-violet wavelengths. Full sun conditions in Ohio are radically different than in New Mexico. This is a huge continent with pronounced regional differences in elevation, heat, humidity, cloud cover, and the resulting intensity of the sun's rays. The intensity of sunshine varies considerably as one moves across the U.S. Doone Valley: Dark green leaves and light purple to pink flowers that bloom in summer. So early on, I found it to be very important to define what sun or shade conditions mean to gardeners here, especially to those who've moved from areas with more benign and less sunny climates. A shade loving plant in too much sun quickly becomes a puff of smoke. And I've gained a healthy respect for the strength and intensity of our sunshine. I've been gardening in the high desert of New Mexico for more than three decades. By David Salman, Founder of High Country Gardens
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |