Impatiens vs Pea

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

Impatiens

Impatiens walleriana

Balsaminaceae · flowers

Low Maintenance

Pea

Pisum sativum

Fabaceae · vegetables

EdibleLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Impatiens (Zones 10-11)

Pea (Zones 2-11)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 10–11

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Impatiens	Pea
Scientific Name	Impatiens walleriana	Pisum sativum
Family	Balsaminaceae	Fabaceae
Category	flowers	vegetables
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Well-drained
Height	1' 6"	6'
Spread	1' 6"	6"
Bloom Season	Spring-Fall	Spring
Bloom Color	Mixed	White
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	East Africa	Mediterranean, Middle East
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Impatiens

No — EdibleNo — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Pea

Yes — EdibleNo — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Impatiens

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

Pea

✓Plant 4-6 weeks before last frost — peas love cool weather.
✓Provide trellis or pea netting.
✓Harvest frequently for continued production.
✓Inoculate seeds with rhizobium for best nitrogen fixation.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

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

Choose Pea if you want a low-maintenance plant. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 2–11.

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

View ImpatiensProfile →View PeaProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Impatiens and Pea grow in the same hardiness zone?

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

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

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

Which grows taller, Impatiens or Pea?

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

Are Impatiens and Pea deer resistant?

Neither Impatiens nor Pea is considered deer resistant. In areas with deer, consider protective fencing or deer repellent for both plants.

Which is easier to maintain, Impatiens or Pea?

Both Impatiens and Pea 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	Impatiens	Pea
Scientific Name	Impatiens walleriana	Pisum sativum
Family	Balsaminaceae	Fabaceae
Category	flowers	vegetables
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Well-drained
Height	1' 6"	6'
Spread	1' 6"	6"
Bloom Season	Spring-Fall	Spring
Bloom Color	Mixed	White
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	East Africa	Mediterranean, Middle East
Maintenance	Low	Low

Care Tips

Impatiens

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

Pea

✓Plant 4-6 weeks before last frost — peas love cool weather.
✓Provide trellis or pea netting.
✓Harvest frequently for continued production.
✓Inoculate seeds with rhizobium for best nitrogen fixation.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

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

Choose Pea if you want a low-maintenance plant. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 2–11.

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 Impatiens and Pea grow in the same hardiness zone?

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

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

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

Which grows taller, Impatiens or Pea?

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

Are Impatiens and Pea deer resistant?

Neither Impatiens nor Pea is considered deer resistant. In areas with deer, consider protective fencing or deer repellent for both plants.

Which is easier to maintain, Impatiens or Pea?

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