Some plants love and need full sun and others require deep shade. However, many more blur these distinctive requirements by doing their best in a combo-brilliant morning light and cool, afternoon dim. These are typically the conditions found in east-facing locations. This makes these spots fun to garden, as you get the best of both worlds and a rich plant tapestry.
In this garden, there are Annabelle Hydrangea, Big Ears Lamb’s Ear and Sunny Delight® Boxleaf Euonymus. These are a perfect example of how to bring this area of the garden to life. (This would be lovely against a stone wall, picket fence, or foundations.) A quick tip–flowers are wonderful and a must have, but don’t forget to add some plants just for their foliage.
![Variegated Jacob’s Ladder](https://mnc-img-01.sfo2.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/M2/blog/varjacobsladder.jpg)
Variegated Jacob’s Ladder
Polemonium ‘Brise d’Anjou’
Fabulous foliage and bobble headed clusters of violet blue flowers thrive in partial shade. Up to 18″ tall and 2 ft. wide. Herbaceous perennial. Zone: 4 – 8
![Patriot Plantain Lily](https://mnc-img-01.sfo2.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/M2/blog/Patriot-Plantain-Lily-300x300.jpg)
Patriot Plantain Lily
Hosta x ‘Patriot’
Hostas appreciate cooler, filtered afternoon light. Compact selection with more heat tolerance. Up to 14″ tall and wide. Herbaceous perennial. Zone: 4 – 8
![Peaches and Cream Honeysuckle](https://mnc-img-01.sfo2.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/M2/blog/Peaches-and-Cream-Honeysuckle-300x300.jpg)
Peaches and Cream Honeysuckle
Lonicera periclymenum ‘Inov 86’ PP #21,839
Honeysuckles generally love to soak up morning sun and then release their perfume in afternoon shade. Up to 6 ft. tall and 3 ft. wide. Evergreen. Zone: 4 – 9
![Grecian Pattern Plant](https://mnc-img-01.sfo2.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/M2/blog/Grecian-Pattern-Plant-300x300.jpg)
Grecian Pattern Plant
Acanthus mollis ‘Oak Leaf’
Not only loves afternoon shade, but dry shade to boot! Great for adding bulk to the back of a border. Up to 4 ft. tall and wide. Herbaceous perennial. Zone: 6 – 11
![Early Scout Fernleaf Peony](https://mnc-img-01.sfo2.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/M2/blog/Early-Scout-Fernleaf-Peony-300x300.jpg)
Early Scout Fernleaf Peony
Paeonia x ‘Early Scout’
One of the earliest hybrid peonies to bloom! Fern-like foliage remains attractive through summer and fall. Up to 2 ft. tall and wide. Herbaceous perennial. Zone: 3 – 8
![Petite Plum® Ninebark](https://mnc-img-01.sfo2.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/M2/blog/petite-plum-ninebark-300x300.jpg)
Petite Plum® Ninebark
Physocarpus opulifolius
Afternoon shade helps to hold the rich burgundy colored foliage. Love the pink flowers! Up to 6 ft. tall and 5 ft. wide. Deciduous. Zone: 3 – 8
![Variegated Sweet Iris](https://mnc-img-01.sfo2.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/M2/blog/Variegated-Sweet-Iris-300x300.jpg)
Variegated Sweet Iris
Iris pallida ‘Variegata’
This species is more shade-tolerant than many other species of iris, adding color and form to east facing sites. Up to 2 ft. talla and wide. Herbaceous perennial. Zone 4 – 9
![Brilliant Red Chokeberry](https://mnc-img-01.sfo2.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/M2/blog/Brilliant-Red-Chokeberry-300x300.jpg)
Brilliant Red Chokeberry
Aronia arbutifolia ‘Brilliantissima’
North American native shrub with white spring flowers, glossy summer foliage, red fruit and brilliant red fall leaves. Up to 6 ft. tall and wide. Deciduous. Zone: 4 – 9
Blue Enchantress® Hydrangea
Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Monmar’ PP #25,209
Most hydrangeas prefer afternoon shade especially in the warmest zones. Up to 5 ft. tall and wide. Deciduous. Zone: 4 – 9