Sunlight can vary significantly throughout a landscape due to factors such as the position of trees, buildings, and other structures that cast shadows at different times of the day. Additionally, the angle and intensity of sunlight change with the seasons, making certain areas of the garden receive more or less light depending on the time of year. This variability makes it challenging to specify plants for certain locations within a garden, as some might thrive under full sun in the summer but struggle in shaded conditions during the winter.
To address this challenge, it’s beneficial to have a core group of “buffer plants” that are adaptable to various light conditions. These plants can tolerate both sunny and shady positions, making them ideal for filling difficult spaces in a garden design. The use of buffer plants ensures that the garden remains vibrant and cohesive throughout the year, regardless of changes in sunlight. They reduce the need for constant maintenance or replanting, and help create a more resilient and sustainable garden environment that is future-proof against the changing shade conditions of trees as they mature.
Here are four plants that can tolerate full sun to moderate or heavy shade.
Lomandra longifolia ‘KATRINUS DELUXE’ PVR
Lomandra ‘Katrinus Deluxe’ is a refined variety of Lomandra longifolia, notable for its compact form and uniform growth. This plant boasts an abundance of large, stunning yellow flower clusters, which make it a visually striking addition to any garden. It is particularly valued for its ability to perform well in a range of conditions, including as an erosion control plant due to its robust root system.
Shade and Sunlight Tolerance:
Lomandra ‘Katrinus Deluxe’ can thrive in both full sun and moderate shade, making it perfect for spaces that can expect at least three or four hours of sunlight per day.
Size:
This plant typically reaches a height of 70 cm and spreads out to 70 cm wide. It maintains a dense and compact form, which is ideal for mass planting and as a specimen plant. The suggested planting density is 2-6 plants per square metre or 1.5-2 plants per linear metre, allowing for an effective and aesthetically pleasing coverage.
Lomandra ‘Katrinus Deluxe’ just getting established. It will grow much larger than this. https://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/strappy-leaf-plants/katrinus-deluxe-lomandra/
Tasred™ Dianella tasmanica ‘TR20’ PVR
Tasred™ Dianella is a robust and adaptable landscape plant, with striking foliage and an ability to thrive in diverse conditions. This plant features wide leaves that exhibit a dense and tidy appearance, with the added appeal of changing colours in cooler climates—often developing a red base or reddish tinges. In spring and summer, it produces large purple berries, enhancing its ornamental value. It is an excellent alternative to Phormium and is particularly effective in erosion control.
Shade and Sunlight Tolerance:
Tasred™ Dianella is remarkably versatile, tolerating a wide range of light conditions from full sun to heavy shade. This makes it an ideal buffer plant for areas with fluctuating light throughout the day or year. Additionally, it can withstand both frost and heat.
Size:
This plant typically reaches a height of 45 cm and spreads 40-50 cm wide. For optimal planting density, it is recommended to use 4-6 plants per square metre or 2-4 plants per linear metre.
Tasred™ Dianella is thriving in the shade here. https://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/strappy-leaf-plants/tasred-dianella/
Just Right™ Liriope muscari
Just Right™ Liriope is a more uniform and compact variety of Liriope muscari. This variety is particularly hardy, with a greater tolerance to frost and sunburn compared to other varieties like Evergreen Giant. Its ability to handle wet conditions without producing viable seeds makes it a safer and more environmentally friendly choice for gardens and public spaces.
Shade and Sunlight Tolerance:
Just Right™ Liriope tolerates from full sun to heavy shade. It is also capable of withstanding both heat and frost.
Size:
This plant typically grows to a height of 50 cm and spreads out to 50 cm wide. The recommended planting density is 4-9 plants per square metre or 2-4 plants per linear metre, allowing for effective and aesthetically pleasing coverage. Just Right™ Liriope is suitable for mass plantings, roadside landscaping, feature plantings, and general garden use.
Just Right™ Liriope works in full sun to heavy shade. https://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/strappy-leaf-plants/just-right-liriope/
Obsession™ Nandina domestica ‘SEIKA’ PVR
Obsession™ Nandina is an improved selection of the popular dwarf nandina ‘Gulf Stream’. Known for its bright red new growth throughout most of the year, including spring, autumn, and summer, it displays a full flush of red in winter. The cultivar name ‘SEIKA’ means ‘sacred fire’ in Japanese, reflecting the vibrant colour of its new foliage. This plant has a dense, upright growth habit, making it an appealing addition to any design requiring a low shrub, border hedge or specimen plant.
Shade and Sunlight Tolerance:
Obsession™ Nandina thrives in both full sun and moderate shade. Additionally, it is tolerant of cold and drought conditions, making it a resilient choice for diverse climates in NZ.
Size:
This plant typically reaches a height of 60-70 cm and spreads out to 60-70 cm wide. For optimal planting density, it is recommended to use 3-6 plants per square metre or 2-3 plants per linear metre.
Obsession™ Nandina has no problem handling the full sun and reflected heat of this position, while also tolerating relatively low amounts of sunlight. https://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/shrubs-and-ground-covers/obsession-nandina/
Conclusion
By understanding and using shade buffer plants, you can create a more adaptable and visually appealing garden where your plants aren’t struggling as sunlight levels fluctuate. Whether you’re an experienced garden designer or just starting out in your backyard, integrating resilient plants like these into your design can transform challenging spaces into thriving, beautiful areas