Light
Full sun generally means at least six hours of direct sunlight. Part shade may mean morning sun, filtered light or protection from the hottest afternoon sun.
Before you dig
Choose the position
Choose a position with confidence by understanding sun, shade, wind and the space your plant will need.
← Back to Planting & CareStart with these checks
- Watch the light at different times of day.
- Check mature height and width.
- Notice wind, reflected heat and nearby roots.
Start with your Southern Plants™ care label
Southern Plants™ puts care into its labels to help you choose a suitable home for each plant.
Use the sun or shade guidance on your Southern Plants label to narrow down the right spot. Compare it with the light your garden actually receives, then check the soil preference and mature size. Morning sun and a hot west-facing wall can be very different growing conditions.
Find your plant’s growing information →Before you dig
Choose the right place
Match the plant to the light, available space, soil and water conditions. Check its mature height and width—not only the size it is today—and place plants in their pots first so you can view the layout before planting.
Finished size
Allow space for mature growth, air movement and access. Keep large shrubs and trees clear of buildings, services and paths.
Purpose
Decide whether you need a feature plant, hedge, groundcover, wildlife habitat, container plant or seasonal colour, then check the plant page for matching uses.
Read your garden before you plant
Look at the spot in the morning, around midday and late in the afternoon. A bright-looking area is not necessarily in direct sun, and a bed that is sunny in summer may sit in shade during winter. Record when sunlight actually reaches the soil rather than judging the whole garden from one visit.
Build confidence by noticing the different pockets of your garden: open sunny areas, filtered light beneath trees and sheltered corners can each suit different plants.
Morning or afternoon sun?
In many Australian gardens, gentle morning light suits plants that need protection from hot afternoon sun. A west-facing wall or paved courtyard can also radiate stored heat. Use the variety’s light requirements as your starting point, then consider this extra exposure.
Shade can still be dry
Tree canopies can intercept rain, while established roots compete for moisture. Check below the surface before assuming a shaded bed is damp. Avoid raising the soil level or digging extensively over existing tree roots.
Plan for access
Leave room to walk, open gates, clean windows and maintain the planting. A plant that needs repeated hard pruning to fit the space may be better replaced with a naturally smaller variety.
Try the layout while plants are still in pots
Set the pots out at the intended spacing, then view them from the path, the house and the street. Mark the expected mature spread with a few sticks or a length of hose. Group plants with similar light and watering needs where practical, and keep labels or photographs as a record.
If the position is right but the soil is not, assess drainage before digging. A different plant or a suitable container can be a better answer than trying to force a variety into unsuitable ground.
Match the plant to a small part of the garden
Two nearby beds can need different plants. A roof overhang may shelter one from rain, paving may heat another, and a fence may block winter sun. Make a simple sketch of these differences before buying. Recheck the position as deciduous trees lose or regain their leaves.
For planting beneath trees, look for both shade suitability and the ability to cope with root competition. Use gaps between existing roots and avoid cutting major roots to make room. A shade-loving plant that needs consistently moist soil may struggle in dry shade even though the light level is suitable.
Your next step towards growing with confidence
You do not need to know everything at once. Start with your plant’s growing requirements, try the steps that suit your garden, and build confidence as you see what works.
Open Plant Finder