questionable site with full shade in winter and full sun in summer - Ask Extension
Hello,
On the north side of our shop, we planted four Rhododendron PJMs several years ago. The plant on the far west side receives full sun from Jun...
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questionable site with full shade in winter and full sun in summer #926692
Asked March 24, 2026, 9:39 PM EDT
Hello,
On the north side of our shop, we planted four Rhododendron PJMs several years ago. The plant on the far west side receives full sun from June to September. This plant has been replaced two times. I would like to find an appropriate perennial shrub (full grown size 5 ft x 5 ft) for this location. Should I consider this site full sun due to the lack of survival of the previous plants?
I am interested in planting a Grevillea victoriae - Spider Flower to have a winter blooming plants except there won't be direct sun during the winter. Another idea is Eleagnus - Silverberry.
I would appreciate help determining the correct sun/shade for this site and any plant suggestions.
Thank you!
Benton County Oregon
Expert Response
Thanks for contacting ask extension with your question about plant selections. I'm sorry you have had so many problems with your Rhododendron. It's very possible that the cause was the direct sun along with excess reflective heat from the structure wall and any gravel sidewalk that may be surrounding it. Rhodies have shallow roots and don't do well in heat. However, don't discount other factors such as poor soil drainage, soil compaction or a pH too alkaline for the shrub. Another consideration is a disease, possibly in your soil. Take a look at these possibilities before you re-plant.
If the site is getting 6 or more hours of sunlight a day during the summer months, then yes, you should consider plants that tolerate full sun/ partial shade. The common sun requirements definition is: full sun = 6+ hours/day, part sun = 4–6, part shade = 2–4, full shade = 2 hours or less (mid-summer observation). Note, that during the winter months, plants don't require as much sun.
Both of the plants you are interested in should work as a replacement shrub, assuming the soil conditions meet the needs of the plant.
Grevillea victoriae - Spider Flower: This winter-blooming species offers a long bloom period for a hardy shrub. It requires soil with good drainage. Once established it can bloom from April to September, attracting both hummingbirds and bumblebees. In my research, I did not see any mention of winter sun affecting flower bloom. However, lack of soil moisture during the summer months will cause the forming buds to abort.
Eleagnus - Silverberry is a pretty shrub with a silver sheen. It's adaptable to varied soils and can withstand some drought. It has tiny, but fragrant blooms in the autumn. If you are ok with small blooms in the fall instead of showy blooms in the winter, this would be an excellent choice.
https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/elaeagnus-ebbingei
You might consider shrubs that have colorful foliage instead of flowers, here are some suggestions from an OSU article. (Link below)
Western Oregon shrubs with standout foliage
If the site is getting 6 or more hours of sunlight a day during the summer months, then yes, you should consider plants that tolerate full sun/ partial shade. The common sun requirements definition is: full sun = 6+ hours/day, part sun = 4–6, part shade = 2–4, full shade = 2 hours or less (mid-summer observation). Note, that during the winter months, plants don't require as much sun.
Both of the plants you are interested in should work as a replacement shrub, assuming the soil conditions meet the needs of the plant.
Grevillea victoriae - Spider Flower: This winter-blooming species offers a long bloom period for a hardy shrub. It requires soil with good drainage. Once established it can bloom from April to September, attracting both hummingbirds and bumblebees. In my research, I did not see any mention of winter sun affecting flower bloom. However, lack of soil moisture during the summer months will cause the forming buds to abort.
Eleagnus - Silverberry is a pretty shrub with a silver sheen. It's adaptable to varied soils and can withstand some drought. It has tiny, but fragrant blooms in the autumn. If you are ok with small blooms in the fall instead of showy blooms in the winter, this would be an excellent choice.
https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/elaeagnus-ebbingei
You might consider shrubs that have colorful foliage instead of flowers, here are some suggestions from an OSU article. (Link below)
Western Oregon shrubs with standout foliage
- ‘Sundance’ Mexican orange (Choisya ternata): Bright golden foliage, white citrus-scented flowers, partial to full sun, well-drained soil, 5–6 feet tall, hardy to Zone 7
- ‘Goshiki’ false holly (Osmanthus heterophyllus): Multicolored evergreen foliage, partial to full sun, regular water, 3–5 feet tall, hardy to Zone 6
- ‘Rose Glow’ variegated Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea ‘Rose Glow’): Deep burgundy leaves splashed with pink and cream, full sun to light shade, occasional water, 6 feet tall and wide, hardy to Zone https://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/colorful-foliage-shrubs-add-depth-interest-home-landscapes?utm_source=ExtensionBot
