Begonia vs Impatiens

Side-by-side plant comparison — which is right for your garden?

Begonia

Begonia × semperflorens

Begoniaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Impatiens

Impatiens walleriana

Balsaminaceae · flowers

Low Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Begonia (Zones 2-11)

Impatiens (Zones 10-11)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 10–11

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Begonia	Impatiens
Scientific Name	Begonia × semperflorens	Impatiens walleriana
Family	Begoniaceae	Balsaminaceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	⛅ Part Shade	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Moist
Height	1'	1' 6"
Spread	1'	1' 6"
Bloom Season	Spring-Fall	Spring-Fall
Bloom Color	Red, Pink, White	Mixed
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	South America	East Africa
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Begonia

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Impatiens

No — EdibleNo — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Begonia

✓Pinch tips for bushy growth.
✓Keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
✓Bring indoors before frost.
✓Tuberous types need winter dormancy.
✓Rex begonias grown for stunning foliage.

Impatiens

✓Keep soil consistently moist.
✓No deadheading needed — self-cleaning.
✓Pinch for bushier growth.
✓Watch for downy mildew — choose resistant varieties.
✓Feed monthly.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Begonia if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade with medium water in zones 2–11.

Choose Impatiens if you want a low-maintenance plant. It thrives in part shade to full shade with medium water in zones 10–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 10–11. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View BegoniaProfile →View ImpatiensProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Begonia and Impatiens grow in the same hardiness zone?

Begonia grows in USDA zones 2-11, while Impatiens grows in zones 10-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 10 through 11.

Do Begonia and Impatiens have the same sun and water needs?

Begonia needs part shade and medium water, while Impatiens needs part shade to full shade and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Begonia or Impatiens?

Impatiens grows taller at 1' 6" compared to Begonia at 1'. Impatiens spreads 1' 6" while Begonia spreads 1'.

Are Begonia and Impatiens deer resistant?

Begonia is deer resistant, but Impatiens is not. If deer are a concern, Begonia is the better choice, or protect Impatiens with fencing.

Which is easier to maintain, Begonia or Impatiens?

Both Begonia and Impatiens have low maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Begonia	Impatiens
Scientific Name	Begonia × semperflorens	Impatiens walleriana
Family	Begoniaceae	Balsaminaceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	⛅ Part Shade	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Moist
Height	1'	1' 6"
Spread	1'	1' 6"
Bloom Season	Spring-Fall	Spring-Fall
Bloom Color	Red, Pink, White	Mixed
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	South America	East Africa
Maintenance	Low	Low

Care Tips

Begonia

✓Pinch tips for bushy growth.
✓Keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
✓Bring indoors before frost.
✓Tuberous types need winter dormancy.
✓Rex begonias grown for stunning foliage.

Impatiens

✓Keep soil consistently moist.
✓No deadheading needed — self-cleaning.
✓Pinch for bushier growth.
✓Watch for downy mildew — choose resistant varieties.
✓Feed monthly.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Begonia if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade with medium water in zones 2–11.

Choose Impatiens if you want a low-maintenance plant. It thrives in part shade to full shade with medium water in zones 10–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 10–11. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Begonia and Impatiens grow in the same hardiness zone?

Begonia grows in USDA zones 2-11, while Impatiens grows in zones 10-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 10 through 11.

Do Begonia and Impatiens have the same sun and water needs?

Begonia needs part shade and medium water, while Impatiens needs part shade to full shade and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Begonia or Impatiens?

Impatiens grows taller at 1' 6" compared to Begonia at 1'. Impatiens spreads 1' 6" while Begonia spreads 1'.

Are Begonia and Impatiens deer resistant?

Begonia is deer resistant, but Impatiens is not. If deer are a concern, Begonia is the better choice, or protect Impatiens with fencing.

Which is easier to maintain, Begonia or Impatiens?

Both Begonia and Impatiens have low maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.