Foxglove vs Impatiens

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

Foxglove

Digitalis purpurea

Plantaginaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Impatiens

Impatiens walleriana

Balsaminaceae · flowers

Low Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Foxglove (Zones 4-8)

Impatiens (Zones 10-11)

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

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Foxglove	Impatiens
Scientific Name	Digitalis purpurea	Impatiens walleriana
Family	Plantaginaceae	Balsaminaceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	⛅ Part Shade	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Moist
Height	5'	1' 6"
Spread	1' 6"	1' 6"
Bloom Season	Late Spring-Summer	Spring-Fall
Bloom Color	Purple, Pink, White	Mixed
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Europe	East Africa
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Foxglove

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Impatiens

No — EdibleNo — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Foxglove

✓Let self-seed for continuous display.
✓Plant in drifts for best effect.
✓Remove unwanted seedlings.
✓Wear gloves when handling.
✓Thrives in woodland edge conditions.

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 Foxglove if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade with medium water in zones 4–8.

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 FoxgloveProfile →View ImpatiensProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Foxglove and Impatiens grow in the same hardiness zone?

Foxglove grows in USDA zones 4-8, 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 Foxglove and Impatiens have the same sun and water needs?

Foxglove 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, Foxglove or Impatiens?

Foxglove grows taller at 5' compared to Impatiens at 1' 6". Foxglove spreads 1' 6" while Impatiens spreads 1' 6".

Are Foxglove and Impatiens deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Foxglove or Impatiens?

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

Explore More Data Tools

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Foxglove	Impatiens
Scientific Name	Digitalis purpurea	Impatiens walleriana
Family	Plantaginaceae	Balsaminaceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	⛅ Part Shade	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Moist
Height	5'	1' 6"
Spread	1' 6"	1' 6"
Bloom Season	Late Spring-Summer	Spring-Fall
Bloom Color	Purple, Pink, White	Mixed
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Europe	East Africa
Maintenance	Low	Low

Care Tips

Foxglove

✓Let self-seed for continuous display.
✓Plant in drifts for best effect.
✓Remove unwanted seedlings.
✓Wear gloves when handling.
✓Thrives in woodland edge conditions.

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 Foxglove and Impatiens grow in the same hardiness zone?

Foxglove grows in USDA zones 4-8, 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 Foxglove and Impatiens have the same sun and water needs?

Foxglove 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, Foxglove or Impatiens?

Foxglove grows taller at 5' compared to Impatiens at 1' 6". Foxglove spreads 1' 6" while Impatiens spreads 1' 6".

Are Foxglove and Impatiens deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Foxglove or Impatiens?

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