What to Plant with Impatiens: Ideal Companions for a Lush, Shady Garden

Impatiens are a popular choice for adding vibrant color to shady areas of the garden. Their shade tolerance and wide range of colors make them a versatile choice for brightening up darker garden spots. To enhance the beauty and growth of impatiens, it’s important to choose companion plants that thrive in similar conditions. Here’s a guide on what to plant with impatiens to create a lush and colorful garden.

Growing Conditions and Characteristics for Impatiens

• Sun or Shade: Partial shade to full shade. Impatiens prefer areas with filtered sunlight and can thrive in full shade.
• Perennial or Annual: Typically grown as annuals, but they can be perennials in frost-free climates.
• Summer or Winter: Summer. Impatiens bloom continuously throughout the summer until the first frost.

Best Companion Plants for Impatiens

1. Hostas (Hosta spp.)

   • Benefits: Hostas thrive in the same shady conditions as impatiens, and their bold foliage provides a great contrast.
   • Aesthetic Appeal: The large, textured leaves of hostas complement the delicate flowers of impatiens, adding depth and structure to the garden.
   • Perennial or Annual: Perennial.
   • Summer or Winter: Summer foliage with leaves dying back in winter.

2. Ferns (Various species)

   • Benefits: Ferns are shade-loving plants that provide a soft, feathery texture that contrasts nicely with impatiens.
   • Aesthetic Appeal: The light, airy fronds of ferns create a gentle, natural backdrop for the bright blooms of impatiens.
   • Perennial or Annual: Perennial.
   • Summer or Winter: Summer foliage with most ferns dying back in winter.

3. Begonias (Begonia spp.)

   • Benefits: Begonias thrive in partial shade and pair well with impatiens, providing a continuous display of color.
   • Aesthetic Appeal: The varied leaf shapes and colors of begonias add visual interest and complement the blooms of impatiens.
   • Perennial or Annual: Typically grown as annuals, but some varieties can be perennials in warmer climates.
   • Summer or Winter: Summer blooming.

4. Caladiums (Caladium spp.)

   • Benefits: Caladiums are shade-tolerant and provide a striking contrast with their colorful, patterned leaves.
   • Aesthetic Appeal: The bold, heart-shaped leaves of caladiums add drama and color contrast to impatiens beds.
   • Perennial or Annual: Typically grown as annuals, but they can be perennials in frost-free areas.
   • Summer or Winter: Summer foliage with bulbs that can be lifted and stored over winter in colder climates.

5. Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides)

   • Benefits: Coleus thrives in partial shade and offers a variety of foliage colors that can complement or contrast with impatiens.
   • Aesthetic Appeal: The vibrant, multi-colored leaves of coleus create a stunning visual contrast to the more uniform blooms of impatiens.
   • Perennial or Annual: Typically grown as annuals, but they can be perennials in warmer climates.
   • Summer or Winter: Summer foliage with some varieties that can persist into fall.

6. Astilbe (Astilbe spp.)

   • Benefits: Astilbe enjoys similar moist, shady conditions as impatiens and adds vertical interest with its plume-like flowers.
   • Aesthetic Appeal: The fluffy, feathery blooms of astilbe add height and texture, creating a layered look with impatiens.
   • Perennial or Annual: Perennial.
   • Summer or Winter: Summer blooming.

7. Heuchera (Heuchera spp.)

   • Benefits: Heuchera, or coral bells, are shade-tolerant and offer a wide range of foliage colors that can enhance the look of impatiens.
   • Aesthetic Appeal: The colorful, rounded leaves of heuchera provide a lovely contrast to the vibrant flowers of impatiens.
   • Perennial or Annual: Perennial.
   • Summer or Winter: Evergreen in some climates, providing year-round interest.

Planting and Care Tips

1. Soil Preparation: Impatiens prefer well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. Amend the soil with compost to improve fertility and drainage.
2. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Impatiens are water-sensitive and require regular watering, especially during dry spells.
3. Fertilizing: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting time and periodically throughout the growing season to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms.
4. Spacing: Plant impatiens about 6-12 inches apart to allow for good air circulation and to prevent overcrowding.
5. Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and keep the plants looking tidy.

By selecting the right companion plants and providing proper care, your impatiens will thrive in a beautiful and lush garden setting, adding vibrant color and texture to shady areas. Happy gardening.