Impatiens vs Sedum (Stonecrop)

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

Impatiens

Impatiens walleriana

Balsaminaceae · flowers

Low Maintenance

Sedum (Stonecrop)

Sedum spp.

Crassulaceae · groundcovers

EdibleDeer ResistantDrought TolerantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Impatiens (Zones 10-11)

Sedum (Stonecrop) (Zones 3-9)

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

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Impatiens	Sedum (Stonecrop)
Scientific Name	Impatiens walleriana	Sedum spp.
Family	Balsaminaceae	Crassulaceae
Category	flowers	groundcovers
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧 Low
Soil	Rich, Moist	Well-drained, Poor
Height	1' 6"	6"
Spread	1' 6"	2'
Bloom Season	Spring-Fall	Summer
Bloom Color	Mixed	Yellow, Pink, White
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	East Africa	Northern Hemisphere
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Impatiens

No — EdibleNo — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Sedum (Stonecrop)

Yes — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantYes — 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.

Sedum (Stonecrop)

✓Needs very little water once established.
✓Thrives in poor soil.
✓Break off stems and press into soil to propagate.
✓Great for green roofs and rock walls.

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 Sedum (Stonecrop) if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with low water in zones 3–9.

View ImpatiensProfile →View Sedum (Stonecrop)Profile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Impatiens and Sedum (Stonecrop) grow in the same hardiness zone?

Impatiens grows in USDA zones 10-11, while Sedum (Stonecrop) grows in zones 3-9. These plants have no overlapping hardiness zones, so they cannot be grown together in the same climate.

Do Impatiens and Sedum (Stonecrop) have the same sun and water needs?

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

Which grows taller, Impatiens or Sedum (Stonecrop)?

Impatiens grows taller at 1' 6" compared to Sedum (Stonecrop) at 6". Impatiens spreads 1' 6" while Sedum (Stonecrop) spreads 2'.

Are Impatiens and Sedum (Stonecrop) deer resistant?

Sedum (Stonecrop) is deer resistant, but Impatiens is not. If deer are a concern, Sedum (Stonecrop) is the better choice, or protect Impatiens with fencing.

Which is easier to maintain, Impatiens or Sedum (Stonecrop)?

Both Impatiens and Sedum (Stonecrop) 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	Sedum (Stonecrop)
Scientific Name	Impatiens walleriana	Sedum spp.
Family	Balsaminaceae	Crassulaceae
Category	flowers	groundcovers
Sun	⛅ Part Shade to Full Shade	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧 Low
Soil	Rich, Moist	Well-drained, Poor
Height	1' 6"	6"
Spread	1' 6"	2'
Bloom Season	Spring-Fall	Summer
Bloom Color	Mixed	Yellow, Pink, White
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	East Africa	Northern Hemisphere
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.

Sedum (Stonecrop)

✓Needs very little water once established.
✓Thrives in poor soil.
✓Break off stems and press into soil to propagate.
✓Great for green roofs and rock walls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Impatiens and Sedum (Stonecrop) grow in the same hardiness zone?

Impatiens grows in USDA zones 10-11, while Sedum (Stonecrop) grows in zones 3-9. These plants have no overlapping hardiness zones, so they cannot be grown together in the same climate.

Do Impatiens and Sedum (Stonecrop) have the same sun and water needs?

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

Which grows taller, Impatiens or Sedum (Stonecrop)?

Impatiens grows taller at 1' 6" compared to Sedum (Stonecrop) at 6". Impatiens spreads 1' 6" while Sedum (Stonecrop) spreads 2'.

Are Impatiens and Sedum (Stonecrop) deer resistant?

Sedum (Stonecrop) is deer resistant, but Impatiens is not. If deer are a concern, Sedum (Stonecrop) is the better choice, or protect Impatiens with fencing.

Which is easier to maintain, Impatiens or Sedum (Stonecrop)?

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