Hollyhock vs Impatiens

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

Hollyhock

Alcea rosea

Malvaceae · flowers

EdibleDeer ResistantLow Maintenance

Impatiens

Impatiens walleriana

Balsaminaceae · flowers

Low Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Hollyhock (Zones 3-8)

Impatiens (Zones 10-11)

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

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Hollyhock	Impatiens
Scientific Name	Alcea rosea	Impatiens walleriana
Family	Malvaceae	Balsaminaceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Rich, Moist
Height	8'	1' 6"
Spread	1' 6"	1' 6"
Bloom Season	Summer	Spring-Fall
Bloom Color	Pink, Red, Yellow, White, Black	Mixed
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	China, Turkey	East Africa
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Hollyhock

Yes — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Impatiens

No — EdibleNo — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Hollyhock

✓Plant against a wall or fence for wind protection.
✓Prone to rust — space for air circulation.
✓Self-seeds prolifically.
✓Biennial but self-sows to seem perennial.

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 Hollyhock if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 3–8.

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 HollyhockProfile →View ImpatiensProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Hollyhock and Impatiens grow in the same hardiness zone?

Hollyhock grows in USDA zones 3-8, 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 Hollyhock and Impatiens have the same sun and water needs?

Hollyhock 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, Hollyhock or Impatiens?

Hollyhock grows taller at 8' compared to Impatiens at 1' 6". Hollyhock spreads 1' 6" while Impatiens spreads 1' 6".

Are Hollyhock and Impatiens deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Hollyhock or Impatiens?

Both Hollyhock 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	Hollyhock	Impatiens
Scientific Name	Alcea rosea	Impatiens walleriana
Family	Malvaceae	Balsaminaceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Rich, Moist
Height	8'	1' 6"
Spread	1' 6"	1' 6"
Bloom Season	Summer	Spring-Fall
Bloom Color	Pink, Red, Yellow, White, Black	Mixed
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	China, Turkey	East Africa
Maintenance	Low	Low

Care Tips

Hollyhock

✓Plant against a wall or fence for wind protection.
✓Prone to rust — space for air circulation.
✓Self-seeds prolifically.
✓Biennial but self-sows to seem perennial.

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 Hollyhock and Impatiens grow in the same hardiness zone?

Hollyhock grows in USDA zones 3-8, 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 Hollyhock and Impatiens have the same sun and water needs?

Hollyhock 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, Hollyhock or Impatiens?

Hollyhock grows taller at 8' compared to Impatiens at 1' 6". Hollyhock spreads 1' 6" while Impatiens spreads 1' 6".

Are Hollyhock and Impatiens deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Hollyhock or Impatiens?

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