Impatiens walleriana, often called Busy Lizzies, are among the most popular annuals for brightening shaded areas of a garden or container. They are prized for their prolific, non-stop bloom cycle and ability to provide dense, continuous color from spring until the first frost. Creating a stunning display requires selecting companion plants that not only share the same light and soil requirements but also offer contrasting visual elements. The following recommendations provide pairings that enhance the overall texture and color of the Impatiens grouping.
Essential Growing Conditions for Impatiens
Successful companion planting begins by understanding the environmental needs of the Impatiens. These plants require a location that offers deep shade throughout the day or, at most, a small amount of gentle morning sun. Direct afternoon sunlight will quickly scorch the foliage and reduce the plant’s flowering capacity. The soil must be consistently moist yet possess excellent drainage to prevent root rot. Impatiens are considered heavy feeders and thrive when provided with a regular application of a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two to four weeks. Any plant chosen as a companion must be able to tolerate conditions of low light, high moisture, and nutrient-rich soil.
Complementary Foliage and Texture
A visually interesting planting relies on contrast, which can be achieved by pairing the fine texture of Impatiens petals with bold foliage shapes. Coleus cultivars offer a wide variety of leaf colors, from lime green and maroon to vibrant pink and speckled patterns. Their serrated edges and upright growth habit provide structural difference to the mounding, soft form of the Busy Lizzy.
Hostas, particularly smaller varieties that do not overwhelm the planting area, introduce substantial, often heart-shaped leaves. Pairing the broad, sometimes blue-green or variegated Hosta leaf with the dense color of Impatiens creates contrast in both scale and leaf substance. The upright, architectural foliage of ferns, such as the finely divided fronds of a Maidenhair fern or the larger scale of the Macho fern, adds height and an airy dimension to the grouping.
To create a “spiller” effect over the edge of a container or raised bed, shade-tolerant varieties of Ipomoea batatas, or Sweet Potato Vine, are effective. Varieties with chartreuse or deep purple foliage cascade, contrasting the rounded canopy of the Impatiens. This combination of different leaf sizes, colors, and growth habits prevents the overall planting from looking uniform.
Pairing for Bright Floral Displays
The primary intent of planting Impatiens is color, and selecting complementary flowering companions can amplify the visual impact. Wax Begonias (Begonia semperflorens) share the same shade and moisture requirements and offer a dense, continuous floral output. For a harmonious color scheme, pairing soft pink Impatiens with white Wax Begonias creates a clean, elegant look.
Alternatively, Tuberous Begonias (Begonia tuberhybrida) present large, often ruffled blooms that stand out against the smaller Impatiens flowers. Combining deep red Impatiens with bright yellow or orange Tuberous Begonias results in a bold, high-contrast, “hot” color theme.
Annual Lobelia (Lobelia erinus) introduces a delicate texture and a unique color range, often deep sapphire blue or violet. Planted at the edges, the fine, small flowers of the Lobelia create a softening, airy haze that contrasts the solid blocks of color from the Impatiens. This cool blue tone contrasts well with Impatiens in the pink, red, or white spectrum, creating a dynamic visual effect.
For a vertical element, Fuchsia plants are ideal, especially those with pendulous, often two-toned flowers that hang gracefully. Hanging Fuchsia baskets positioned above Impatiens beds or containers introduce a distinct flower shape and allow for color layering within the shaded space. In regions with cooler springs, Pansies or Violas can provide early-season color, sharing the light and moisture needs until the warmer weather allows the Impatiens to fully establish their display.