Every American gardener has probably seen impatiens at some point. They are a go-to annual flower for shady areas and come in a wide variety of colors. Prized for their ability to flower prolifically with little maintenance, impatiens are an excellent choice for beginning gardeners. Let’s look at flowers similar to impatiens.
Flowers similar to impatiens
Aside from the fact that these flowers do well in the shade, impatiens are also loved for their long blooming season.
However, impatiens are not the only flowers that can thrive in shady areas. If you are looking for something different to plant in your garden this year, try one of these six flowers similar to impatiens.
1) Begonia
The begonia is a brightly-colored flower native to tropical and subtropical regions. Its blooms can range in color from white to pink to red, and the leaves are typically green or bronze.
Begonia flowers are typically small, but they make up for their size with their abundance. These flowers grow in clusters and can cover the entire plant.
Begonias are not as tolerant of full shade as impatiens, but they will still do well in an area that receives partial sun.
2) Miniature Roses
If you’re looking for a flower that’s similar to impatiens in both size and shape, then miniature roses are a great option. While miniature roses may not closely resemble when it comes to their physical characteristics, hybrid impatiens share many of the same qualities.
Like impatiens, miniature roses are relatively easy to grow and care for. They also have a long blooming season, which means you can enjoy their flowers all summer long. With flowers blossoming pale pink to rich red, they bloom prolifically throughout the spring and summer months.
Don’t underestimate their small blooms. Miniature roses are known to be tough plants and can tolerate even cold winters. These plants equally thrive when grown in pots or in the ground. As long as you give them enough sunlight and plant them in well-draining soil, they will grow and bloom beautifully.
3) Ivy Geranium
Also known as the balcony geranium, these flowers are perfect for adding a splash of color to any garden. They are closely related to impatiens and share many of the same qualities.
These beautiful annuals have a long blooming season and come in a wide range of colors, including white, pink, red, and purple. Mostly grown as houseplants, they can also be planted outdoors in hanging baskets or pots.
They require well-draining soil and should be watered regularly, especially during the hot summer months. While they are not as tolerant of full shade as impatiens, they will still do well in an area that receives partial sun.
4) Petunias
Aside from impatiens, petunias are among the most popular bedding plants all over the country. Aside from having the same color range, petunias and impatiens share similar physical characteristics.
One of the common differences between these two flowers is that petunias have a trumpet-shaped bloom. In contrast, impatiens have a more round bloom.
Additionally, these blooming flowers also require more sun than impatiens do. With that being said, if you’re living in an area that gets a lot of sunlight, petunias would make a great addition to your garden.
Fertilizing your petunias regularly will also help encourage more blooming. These plants are heavy feeders and will benefit from being fertilized every two weeks.
When it comes to watering, petunias should be watered deeply but less frequently. Allow the soil to dry out in between watering to prevent root rot.
5) Vincas
At first glance, vincas and impatiens may closely resemble each other. In fact, for the untrained eye, these two flowers look closely alike.
But if you look closely, vincas leaves are more glossy, and the stems are more stout and pointy. Their flowers have a bell-shaped bloom and come in colors such as white, pink, purple, and red. Impatiens, on the other hand, have flat blooms, bright green leaves, and a more delicate stem.
Vincas are heat-tolerant and can survive in hot weather conditions that impatiens cannot. They are also known to be more resistant to diseases, making them a low-maintenance option for your garden.
6) Fuchsia
Fuchsia blossoms are like little lanterns dangling from the branches of their shrub. At the end of each petal is a sharp point that gradually fades into a delicate hue of purple or pink.
The stamen in the center of the flower is often a contrasting color, such as yellow or green, which stands out against the dark backdrop of the petals. Fuschias are native to tropical regions, so they thrive in warm climates with high humidity levels.
Compared to impatiens, fuschias have a more extended blooming season. They also require less maintenance and don’t need to be deadheaded as often.
Flowers similar to impatiens: Final Thoughts
Many flowers share similarities with impatiens. If you’re looking for something to add to your garden to provide color and beauty, any of these options would be a great choice. Ideally grown in beddings or pots, these flowers will surely brighten up any garden.
Related article: Do Impatiens Come Back Every Year?