Sunny or Shade?

Ross.ssoR

In the spirit of no question being a stupid question. . .. . 

I am establishing a new bed in my back garden that is in full bright sun until approx 13:30 after which it's then in full shade until approx 17:00 - 18:00 when it's in full sun again. Do you think I'd be okay to plant 'full sun' plants here alongside 'semi-shade' and be okay?

An existing bed in my front garden has similar light conditions and is planted up with full-sun plants that flourish there.

Any advice for this novice gardener would be much appreciated!

Loxley

I think it's a case by case basis; I'm sure most sun loving plants would be fine, but some will tend to lean over if they're not in an open spot with full sun. I've got a Thalictrum 'Elin' which I've moved from a south-west aspect to an eastern aspect (with sun until around midday), and it now has a pronounced lean.

Nollie

My echinaceas in full sun are sturdy and upright, but the ones that get a bit of shade do the leaning thing too, so I agree with Will, some sun lovers would be fine, others not. 

Borderline

It all depends on which types of plants and the soil conditions. It's this combination and experience of plants that will likely help you make better choices. Some plants are fussy, others are more accommodating. For instance, many hardy geraniums say full sun on their tags, but I find many do fine in semi shade. Flowers usually start later, but blooms last a bit longer. May not flower as prolifically, but makes up for colours not fading as much and flowering times longer. 

Ross.ssoR

Thanks all for the brilliant advice )))))

I've bought/grown what I hope is quite a fuss-free selection of plants for the new bed so should be okay. We'll see!