12 Things You’re Growing in the Wrong Spot • Schisandra & Bergamot

Is your garden looking a little sad despite your best efforts? The problem might not be your green thumb—it could be the plant placement.

Many popular plants need specific light, soil, or spacing to truly thrive. Here are 12 common crops and flowers that might be suffering in the wrong location.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes need full sun—at least 6–8 hours a day. If you’re planting them in a shaded spot, they’ll struggle with weak stems and poor fruit production.

Lavender

This fragrant herb thrives in dry, well-draining soil with lots of sunlight. Planting it in a damp or low-light area often leads to root rot and mildew.

Basil

Basil loves heat and sun but hates soggy soil. Don’t stick it in a low-lying bed—choose a sunny raised spot with good drainage instead.

Hostas

Close-up of green hosta leaves with yellow edges, showing overlapping foliage and prominent veins in bright sunlight. — Photo Credit: chris robert/Unsplash

Though many assume all hostas like deep shade, many varieties actually perform better with morning sun and some dappled light.

Peonies

Peonies won’t bloom in too much shade. They need at least half a day of full sun and should be spaced well to avoid fungal diseases.

Blueberries

These shrubs need acidic soil and full sun. Planting them in alkaline or shady areas often results in yellow leaves and little fruit.

Hydrangeas

Clusters of blue and white hydrangea flowers in bloom with green leaves, set against a clear blue sky and ocean in the background. — Photo Credit: Josefin/Unsplash

Not all hydrangeas like full sun—some prefer morning light and afternoon shade, especially in hot climates. Wrong exposure equals wilted blooms.

Zucchini

Zucchini loves room to sprawl and full sun. Crowding it between tall plants or in partial shade leads to poor pollination and smaller harvests.

Ferns

Close-up view of bright green fern leaves with sunlight filtering through, showing fine details of the leaflets and veins. — Photo Credit: Jack Cohen/Unsplash

These shade lovers dry out fast in sunny beds. Keep them in consistently moist, shady corners of your yard for lush, full fronds.

Rosemary

Too much moisture or shade will kill rosemary fast. It prefers rocky, dry soil and full sunlight—think Mediterranean hillside.

Lettuce

Lettuce bolts quickly in full sun during summer. It does better in partial shade or cooler spots, especially in warm climates.

Clematis

Clematis likes a strange mix: “head in the sun, feet in the shade.” Mulch the roots or plant low growers around its base to keep it happy.

Before you blame yourself for lackluster plants, check if they’re simply in the wrong place. A quick move to a better spot might be all they need to flourish.