Geranium vs Impatiens

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

Geranium

Pelargonium × hortorum

Geraniaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantDrought TolerantMedium Maintenance

Impatiens

Impatiens walleriana

Balsaminaceae · flowers

Low Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Geranium (Zones 9-11)

Impatiens (Zones 10-11)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 10–11

Detailed Comparison

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

Special Traits

Geranium

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantYes — Drought Tolerant

Impatiens

No — EdibleNo — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Geranium

✓Deadhead spent flower stems at base.
✓Let soil dry slightly between waterings.
✓Feed every 2 weeks.
✓Overwinter indoors in cold climates.
✓Excellent in containers.

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 Geranium if you don't mind medium maintenance, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 9–11.

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 GeraniumProfile →View ImpatiensProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Geranium and Impatiens grow in the same hardiness zone?

Geranium grows in USDA zones 9-11, while Impatiens grows in zones 10-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 10 through 11.

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

Geranium 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, Geranium or Impatiens?

Both Geranium and Impatiens reach approximately 1' 6" in height, with spreads of 1' 6" and 1' 6" respectively.

Are Geranium and Impatiens deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Geranium or Impatiens?

Geranium has medium maintenance while Impatiens has low maintenance. Impatiens may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.

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Detailed Comparison

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

Care Tips

Geranium

✓Deadhead spent flower stems at base.
✓Let soil dry slightly between waterings.
✓Feed every 2 weeks.
✓Overwinter indoors in cold climates.
✓Excellent in containers.

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 Geranium if you don't mind medium maintenance, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 9–11.

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 Geranium and Impatiens grow in the same hardiness zone?

Geranium grows in USDA zones 9-11, while Impatiens grows in zones 10-11. Both plants can grow together in zones 10 through 11.

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

Geranium 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, Geranium or Impatiens?

Both Geranium and Impatiens reach approximately 1' 6" in height, with spreads of 1' 6" and 1' 6" respectively.

Are Geranium and Impatiens deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Geranium or Impatiens?

Geranium has medium maintenance while Impatiens has low maintenance. Impatiens may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.