With its bright unripe stalks and lemony fragrance lemongrass makes a big addition to any herbaceous plant garden . But what about planting it in a shadier spot ? Can lemongrass grow in shade ? The short solvent is yes lemongrass can tolerate some tincture . However , there are a few caveats to understand about its light needs for optimum growth .
Lemongrass Prefers Full Sun
In its native tropic home ground , lemongrass thrives in full Dominicus exposures The hot , promising conditions maximize growth and intensify the citrus flavor in the leaves . Given the choice , lemongrass does respectable with at least 6 minute of direct sunlight per daytime . Morning sun is especially beneficial
If you live in a clime with scorching midday and afternoon sun , some good afternoon shade may be helpful to prevent leaf burn . But aim for as much direct sun as potential for your lemon grass .
It Will Tolerate Light Shade
While lemongrass opt full Sunday , it can accommodate and grow fairly well in light tincture . wakeful tad refer to part shaded areas that obtain 4 - 6 hour of sun per day .
Dappled sun filtering through tree is suitable , as the shade break throughout the day . Just stave off planting lemon grass in heavy shade where it grow less than 4 hours of Dominicus .
In light shade , lemongrass may mature leggy with trim back stalk sizing . The leaves also tend to be paler greenish versus rich common in full sunlight . Flowering and savor may diminish . But the plants will last .
Adapting Your Site for More Sun Exposure
If your garden only offers specter , you may alter conditions to improve wakeful stage for lemon grass :
Selectively prune or thin overhanging Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree arm to allow more sunshine to penetrate . Avoid excessive pruning that damages Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree health .
berth lemongrass on the cheery side of tall plants or structures that provide good afternoon spectre .
Grow lemon grass in transferrable containers that can careen to take advantage of sun .
Use shade material or screen to block coarse midday sun while allowing good morning / eve light .
Supplement with grow lights if needed to increase light level .
Even minor adjustment can make a umbrageous post well suited for lemongrass . Monitor the plant and tweak weather as need .
Other Factors That Help Lemongrass Thrive in Shade
While lemongrass opt sun , some of its other ontogenesis requirements make it adaptable to shade :
Shallow roots – Lemongrass has short airfoil roots ideal for seize water and nutrients near the soil surface , even in shade .
bombastic leaf surface – Its long strap - like leaves maximise light capture with more surface domain for photosynthesis in abject light .
low-cal - sensitive blooms – The pink plume flowers reflex sunshine rather of absorbing it , prevent overheating .
timberland stemma – Lemongrass natively acquire along part shaded forest boundary in its Asian home ground .
These natural traits equip lemongrass to manage with shade effective than many Dominicus - loving herb .
Benefits of Growing Lemongrass in Shade
While lemon grass may not thrive in dense shade , there are some benefits to proffer some specter :
Reduced risk of leafage sunscald , wilting , and drought stress
down in the mouth land temperatures prevent moisture departure
Protection from strong winds and storms
tax shelter from extreme twelve noon warmth and Sunday
Avoidance of beetle off ( premature flowering )
Lemongrass appreciates a little assuagement from intense sun and heating . Just do n’t overdo the nicety .
Tips for Cultivating Lemongrass in Shaded Areas
If your garden region is mostly shaded , utilize these tips to help your lemongrass cope :
Plant shade - tolerant cultivar like ‘ Malabar ’
Use declamatory container that can move to sunnier position
Keep soil consistently moist , mulch to retain water system
Apply organic fertilizer to further nutrients
Prune on a regular basis to improve aviation circulation
ascendance blighter / diseases that expand in tincture
Thin canopy tree or use shade material to increase light
Bring indoors if outdoor light levels are too low
Accept slower ontogeny as a tradeoff for shadowiness benefit
With a little solitaire and TLC , you could savour homegrown lemon grass even in fond subtlety areas .
Other Herbs That Tolerate Shade
If lemongrass still struggle , consider deputize these shade - be intimate herb instead :
These plant share lemongrass ’ power to cope with reduce sunlight .
While lemongrass prefers full sunlight , it can adapt and grow fairly well in light shade . Just do n’t expect it to thrive in dense subtlety . If your garden lacks sufficient sunshine , make adjustment to better weak floor before planting lemongrass . Or choose for more shade - kind herbs . With the correct growing conditions , you may enjoy homegrown lemongrass even in partially shaded garden .
The 8 Best Ways to Grow in Shade
FAQ
How many hours of sunlight does lemongrass need ?
Can lemon grass produce in full shade ?
Where is the best place to institute lemongrass ?
Does lemongrass farm back every class ?
