Too sunny for impatiens, too shady for petunias

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DebiH Fort Payne, AL Mar 10, 2009

Usually I can tell what will grow in certain sun conditions using impatiens and petunias as my guide. However, I've got a problem on the western side of my house and a couple of other structures, where neither of them do well. We live in what is essentially in a large clearing surrounded by forest. The morning sun is therefore blocked by the house, and the afternoon sun 'sets' early, blocked by the trees to the west. The afternoon sun is intense and burns up the impatiens but isn't enough for the petunias. It's the strangest thing. Rhododendrons have died!

I'd prefer to get some perennials established but really can't figure out what to try next.


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Mojoquilter Wichita, KS(Zone 6a) Mar 10, 2009

are you wanting a low plant or something with height? how big of an area?

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DebiH Fort Payne, AL Mar 10, 2009

Would like about tall daisy size, maybe 2 - 3' max. Areas to be planted are 1) border of the house and 2) several small beds each about 3 x 6'.

Thanks!

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JulieQ Bella Vista, AR(Zone 6b) Mar 10, 2009

I am trying monarda this year in a similar setting. I wonder if that would work for you?

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Mojoquilter Wichita, KS(Zone 6a) Mar 10, 2009

my suggestion would be some Lantana

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DebiH Fort Payne, AL Mar 10, 2009

Hi Julie Q...I've got a lot of Monarda started as well this year, first time, so I'll try it. Might try lantana as well, but it seems to be happiest in full sun in my yard...

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JulieQ Bella Vista, AR(Zone 6b) Mar 11, 2009

Good luck DebiH. I can hardly wait to see anything green, but the flowers...yipeeeee!
I wonder if daylilies will work in your area as well?

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gaddict North Brunswick, NJ Mar 12, 2009

You can also try coneflowers. I have some in the sun and some in the shade & the only difference is that the shady ones are shorter but just as full. Also, daylilies grow anywhere in my yard. They're almost a pest!

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pennefeather McLean, VA(Zone 6b) Mar 13, 2009

I would second the coneflowers - they will give you the daisy look that you want, and can get by with less sun. Daylilies are also very low maintanance, and shouldn't give you any problems. Many monardas are also listed as partly sunny.

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