Impatiens alternatives

April 28, 2013 at 12:00a.m.

alternatives

A disease called impatiens downy mildew is enough of a threat that many gardeners are thinking outside the flat and looking for alternative plants for their shady spots this year. Here are some to consider.

New Guinea impatiens can tolerate a little more sun than bedding impatiens but are still good performers in shade. Their flowers are similar in appearance to their relatives’ but bigger and not as profuse.

SunPatiens are even better suited for sun but also do well in partial shade. Heavy shade can make them leggy. They need consistent moisture, but they can tolerate high heat. They also hold up well to wind and rain and don’t need to be deadheaded.

Begonias are compact plants that can add a shot of color to a shady spot. They like moist, well-drained soil and are deer-resistant. However, they’re toxic to dogs and cats.

Browallia can be grown in partial or full shade. It needs well-drained soil, making it a good choice for drought-tolerant landscapes. Too much water or fertilizer will cause it to produce leaves instead of flowers.

Torenia is a short, bushy plant that grows only to about 6 to 12 inches. It prefers part to full shade and needs plenty of water. It doesn’t like hot, humid conditions.

Coleus comes in a variety of forms and sizes. It prefers part shade but will tolerate full shade, and some newer cultivars can be grown in the sun. It’s toxic to dogs, cats and horses.

The polka dot plant is a deer-resistant plant will grow about 1 to 2 feet tall, and pinching will encourage it to stay bushy rather than get lanky. It likes part shade, medium moisture and well-drained soil, and does well in hot, humid weather.

Vinca is an easy-care annual that grows about 1 to 2 feet tall. It will tolerate full sun and dry soil, although it also likes part shade. The plant is deer-resistant and toxic to horses, cats and dogs.