Question: What do I plant in an area that gets morning shade and late afternoon sun?

​All partial shade spaces are not created equal. The scenario that can be the most difficult is partial shade, specifically morning shade with mid-late afternoon sun. Morning sun is typically considered less harsh, afternoon sun requires a higher water usage, making drought tolerant plants a must in this scenario.
  From ground creepers, to bushes, to pops or color and even vegetables; there are plenty of options for this shady space. With every planting recommendation, be sure to buy local and check the specifics for your zone. Don’t forget, if the plant just isn’t working in that space, move it somewhere else to give it a second chance.
  For your vegetable garden with only late afternoon sun try a mix of underground and vines to maximize your space. Carrots and celery will do well in the ground. Set up a trellis to grow cucumbers or climbing peas. Planting these above-ground yielding veggies will yield an abundance when planted during the increase of the moon in the signs of Cancer, Scorpio, or Pisces.
  A variety of flowering plants and bushes will also do well with late-afternoon sun. For all flowering plants, best to plant when the moon is increasing or full, especially when in Libra. Lots of colorful options in varying heights and blooming times. Bonus feature of colorful foliage with the Purple Heart/Spiderwort (Tradescantia pallida) and Bluestar (Amsonia).
  Ground coverage plants yield many options. Numerous varieties of beautiful foliage can be found with the easy to care for Hosta. Yellows, pinks, purples, oranges, and all shades of color in between can be found with Touch-me-nots (Impatiens), Purslanes (Portulaca), Wax Begonia (Begonia x semperflorens-cultorum) and Mexican Petunia (Ruellia).
  Bushes and clustering plants also can make a great addition for your morning shade areas. Zinnias (Zinnia elegans) come in a variety of colors including green; Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) and Egyptian star (Pentas lanceolata) are commonly white and pink. Don’t forget summer’s favorite flower to cut and bring indoors, the Peony available in over 30 different varieties.
  Don’t forget the tall flowering beauties in this space, many purple and white varieties, most of which are a great attractant of butterflies and bees, essential insects for your enjoyment of a beautiful garden. Wild indigo (Baptisia), Wild Sage (Salvia), Daylilies (Hemerocallis), and Coneflowers (Echinacea) will grow up to 5 feet.