Posted on Sat, Jul. 14, 2012

Q. I will be planting many shrubs and flowers in my yard over the summer. Can you suggest plants for full afternoon sun and shaded areas as well?

S.C., via e-mail

There are too many plants to list here that you could use. However, your local Extension office has many publications to guide you. Also, check out this website for low maintenance plant lists and shade-loving plants for South Florida: http://miami-dade.ifas.ufl.edu/Pubs_LnG2.shtml

Many, if not most perennials (including shrubs) can take some shade and benefit from it. However, if it’s deep shade, there are fewer choices for flowering plants but many colorful foliage plants do well in shade.

Find sunnier areas for flowering plants since flower production decreases (usually) the less light the plant gets.

Adrian Hunsberger is an entomologist/horticulturist with the UF/IFAS Miami-Dade Extension office. Write to Plant Clinic, 18710 SW 288th St., Homestead, FL 33030; e-mail dade@ifas.ufl.edu.