60-second guide: plants and the sun

When you decide which plant to locate where in the garden, the type of plant it is and the orientation of the sun are two key factors to consider. Ask yourself if you intend to plant it against or in: -

* A south-facing wall or border? Here, the sun is strongest and hottest during the middle of the day. South-facing sites suit plants that are used to hot, dry conditions and may also be tender, such as bedding, tender exotics and Mediterranean plants.

* A west-facing wall or border? These are shady in the morning, but receive sun from the middle to the end of the day. West-facing walls are suitable for most plants.

* A north-facing wall or border? These won't, generally, receive much sun in the day, except for faint early morning and evening sunshine in midsummer. North-facing walls are only suitable for plants that are tolerant of shade, and only a few may flower in this position.

* An east-facing wall or border? Here, the sun appears in the early morning, but the area will be shady in the afternoon. Do not place winter- or sping-flowering plants, such as Camellia, in an east-facing site where the early morning sun can shine on frozen flowers and damage them.

The levels of sunlight receive will vary depending on whether the wall is low or high, and if buildings or trees close by are casting extra shade.

Hairy leaves trap moisture

* Silver leaves on plants such as lavender reflect light and heat and are a cooling device for those adapted to hot, dry sites

* Hairy leaves on plants such as Stachys byzantina reduce excessive water loss from the leaf surface. By trapping moist air between the hairs, less water is lost from the leaves which, in turn, helps plants to tolerate drier sites.

* Fleshy leaves on plants such as sedums can be used to store water in times of plenty, which can then be used in shortages, making them tolerant of drought conditions.

* Waxy, leathery leaves on tough evergreens, such as Buxus, help reduce water loss in cold winter winds, or when soil water may be frozen and unavailable to plant roots. These plants will therefore cope with all weathers, as long as they are hardy.

* Large leaves have been developed on plants such as Rodgersia to catch as much light as possible in shade. They may be very large if the roots can gain enough water from the soil, as you would expect in boggy sites.

* Large leaves with hairs can be found on plants such as Pulmonaria. Larger leaves combined with surface hairs are adapted to dry, shady sites.