Delphinium vs Impatiens

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

Delphinium

Delphinium elatum

Ranunculaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantHigh Maintenance

Impatiens

Impatiens walleriana

Balsaminaceae · flowers

Low Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Delphinium (Zones 3-7)

Impatiens (Zones 10-11)

No zone overlap — these plants cannot be grown in the same climate

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Delphinium	Impatiens
Scientific Name	Delphinium elatum	Impatiens walleriana
Family	Ranunculaceae	Balsaminaceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Well-drained	Rich, Moist
Height	6'	1' 6"
Spread	2'	1' 6"
Bloom Season	Early Summer	Spring-Fall
Bloom Color	Blue, Purple, White, Pink	Mixed
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Europe, Asia	East Africa
Maintenance	High	Low

Special Traits

Delphinium

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Impatiens

No — EdibleNo — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Delphinium

✓Stake tall varieties.
✓Cut back after first bloom for possible rebloom.
✓Needs cool summers — struggles in heat.
✓Slugs love young growth.
✓All parts are toxic.

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 Delphinium if you don't mind high maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 3–7.

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

View DelphiniumProfile →View ImpatiensProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Delphinium and Impatiens grow in the same hardiness zone?

Delphinium grows in USDA zones 3-7, while Impatiens grows in zones 10-11. These plants have no overlapping hardiness zones, so they cannot be grown together in the same climate.

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

Delphinium needs full sun 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, Delphinium or Impatiens?

Delphinium grows taller at 6' compared to Impatiens at 1' 6". Delphinium spreads 2' while Impatiens spreads 1' 6".

Are Delphinium and Impatiens deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Delphinium or Impatiens?

Delphinium has high maintenance while Impatiens has low maintenance. Impatiens may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Delphinium	Impatiens
Scientific Name	Delphinium elatum	Impatiens walleriana
Family	Ranunculaceae	Balsaminaceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Well-drained	Rich, Moist
Height	6'	1' 6"
Spread	2'	1' 6"
Bloom Season	Early Summer	Spring-Fall
Bloom Color	Blue, Purple, White, Pink	Mixed
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Europe, Asia	East Africa
Maintenance	High	Low

Care Tips

Delphinium

✓Stake tall varieties.
✓Cut back after first bloom for possible rebloom.
✓Needs cool summers — struggles in heat.
✓Slugs love young growth.
✓All parts are toxic.

Impatiens

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Delphinium and Impatiens grow in the same hardiness zone?

Delphinium grows in USDA zones 3-7, while Impatiens grows in zones 10-11. These plants have no overlapping hardiness zones, so they cannot be grown together in the same climate.

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

Delphinium needs full sun 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, Delphinium or Impatiens?

Delphinium grows taller at 6' compared to Impatiens at 1' 6". Delphinium spreads 2' while Impatiens spreads 1' 6".

Are Delphinium and Impatiens deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Delphinium or Impatiens?

Delphinium has high maintenance while Impatiens has low maintenance. Impatiens may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.