Leadplant, also known as Amorpha canescens, is a versatile plant that can thrive in a variety of growing conditions. When it comes to sunlight preferences, leadplant generally prefers full sun. This means that it thrives when it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. However, it can also tolerate some light shade.
In terms of soil, leadplant is not particularly picky. It can grow well in average, well-drained soil. This means that it prefers soil that allows water to pass through it easily, without becoming waterlogged. It is important to note that leadplant does particularly well in dry sandy soils. If you have sandy soil in your garden, leadplant may be an excellent choice for you.
When grown in full sun, leadplant tends to have a more upright growth habit. The stems are usually sturdier and the plant is more compact. On the other hand, when grown in shade, leadplant can become more sprawling. The stems may have a tendency to spread out and the overall appearance of the plant may be less compact.
In my personal experience, I have grown leadplant in both full sun and partial shade areas of my garden. In the sunnier areas, the plants grew more upright and had a more vibrant appearance. They seemed to thrive and produce more flowers. In the shaded areas, the plants still grew well, but they had a more sprawling growth habit. However, they still added a nice touch to the garden and attracted pollinators.
To summarize, leadplant prefers full sun but can tolerate some light shade. It is adaptable to a variety of soil types, including dry sandy soils. If you have a sunny spot in your garden with well-drained soil, leadplant is a great choice. However, if you have a partially shaded area, leadplant can still thrive, although it may have a more sprawling growth habit.
