Begonias (Begoniaceae, spp.) and impatiens (Impatiens, spp.) are small, low-maintenance flowers that add splashes of color to the landscape. They are hardy to all U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones, and certain cultivars will grow as perennials in USDA zones 10 and 11. These beautiful blooms will produce brilliant color and copious growth when you tuck them into the environment they love.
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Consider your garden's color scheme when selecting cultivars. To enhance the colors of the other plants in the garden bed, select white or light pink impatiens or begonias that provide a soft backdrop. To draw attention to the plants, select vivid colors such as Impatiens walleriana ("Fiesta Salmon"), Impatiens niamniamesis ("Congo co*ckatoo"), "Orange Cascade" begonia or the bright "Yellow Sweetie" begonia. Horticulturalist John McLaughlin of the University of Florida recommends that you limit your selections to three colors or fewer to prevent a confusing muddle of color in the landscape. A monochromatic color scheme of similarly colored plants is perfect for a smaller garden while complementary colors work well for larger areas.
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Select an area of the garden protected from hot afternoon sun and drying winds. Plant the flowers in borders beneath taller perennials, in circular beds as a mulch alternative around trees or shrubs, or grow the flowers in pots to place at key areas around the garden. If you plant them in the soil, place the plants approximately 8 to 12 inches apart to allow for growth as they mature. Plant brightly colored, shade-loving impatiens in a circle around a tree trunk and place sun-loving begonias further out along the tree line. If grown in pots, the plants will need watering at least once a day. Potted plants are a convenient way to quickly add spots of color in dull or drab areas of the landscape such as around a patio foundation, beside a deck staircase or alongside the skirting of a shed or trailer.
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Prepare the soil for these humus-loving plants. Begonias and impatiens prefer the cool, moist environment beneath the dappled canopy of trees and perennials, and do not tolerate hot, dry winds. Both types also prefer morning sunshine and afternoon shade. Spade or till the area to a depth of 6 to 10 inches. If the soil is heavy clay, add 2 inches of pine bark humus, compost or other organic matter to lighten the soil. Amend sandy soils with 2 to 3 inches of composted leaf mold or peat moss. Add a basic 10-10-10 fertilizer mix or a slow-release fertilizer to the soil and water well.
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Water every week or more frequently during dry periods. Begonias and impatiens need moist soil but the garden must be well-drained and not soggy. Both plants require little care besides frequent watering. You can pinch off the tops of the plants during the early growth season to promote shorter, bushy growth. Begonias and impatiens do not need dead-heading but you can remove spent flowers to encourage continued blooming throughout the season.
