Petunia
Petunia x hybrida
Impatiens
Impatiens walleriana
Petunias vs Impatiens: Best Container Flowers for Different Light Conditions
Comparing petunias and impatiens for container gardens. Learn which annual flower is better for your sun exposure and growing conditions.
Quick Comparison
| Criteria | 🌸Petunia | 🌺Impatiens | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | easy | easy | Tie |
| Days to Harvest | 70 days | 60 days | Impatiens |
| Container Size | 6 inch pot | 6 inch pot | Tie |
| Sunlight | full sun | shade tolerant | - |
| Water Needs | moderate | high | - |
| Yield | Similar | Similar | Tie |
| Beginner-Friendly | Moderate | ⭐ Yes | Impatiens |
Key Differences
Light Requirements
Full sun to partial shade. At least 6 hours of sun.
Shade to partial shade. Prefers 2-4 hours of sun maximum.
Deadheading Needs
Needs regular deadheading for best blooms.
Self-cleaning. No deadheading required.
Water Requirements
Moderate water. Somewhat drought-tolerant once established.
High water needs. Wilts quickly without moisture.
Growth Habit
Mounding or cascading. Excellent for hanging baskets.
Mounding and spreading. Forms dense, colorful mats.
Heat Tolerance
Good heat tolerance. Thrives in summer heat.
Prefers cooler conditions. May struggle in extreme heat.
Disease Resistance
Generally healthy. Watch for botrytis in wet conditions.
Susceptible to downy mildew. New Guinea types more resistant.
Best for Petunia
Choose Petunia if:
- You have full sun to partial shade
- You want cascading flowers for hanging baskets
- You prefer bold, trumpet-shaped blooms
- You enjoy fragrant flowers
- You have hot, sunny balconies
Best for Impatiens
Choose Impatiens if:
- You have shady growing conditions
- You want flowers without deadheading
- You prefer consistent moisture conditions
- You need color for north-facing spaces
- You want maximum flower coverage
Can They Grow Together?
No, keep them separate
Petunias and impatiens have opposite light requirements - petunias need sun while impatiens need shade. Do not plant together as one will always struggle. Choose based on your light conditions.
The Bottom Line
Petunia
Choose petunias for sunny locations, cascading habit in hanging baskets, bold trumpet flowers, and fragrance on hot summer days.
Impatiens
Choose impatiens for shady spots, no-deadhead convenience, north-facing spaces, and effortless color where sun-loving flowers fail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is easier to grow: Petunia or Impatiens?
Both Petunia and Impatiens are equally easy to grow in containers with similar care requirements.
Which grows faster: Petunia or Impatiens?
Impatiens reaches harvest maturity faster, typically in 60 days compared to 70 days for Petunia.
Can I grow Petunia and Impatiens together?
No, it's not recommended. Petunias and impatiens have opposite light requirements - petunias need sun while impatiens need shade. Do not plant together as one will always struggle. Choose based on your light conditions.
Which needs less space: Petunia or Impatiens?
Both Petunia and Impatiens have similar space requirements and work well in small containers.
Which produces more: Petunia or Impatiens?
Both Petunia and Impatiens produce comparable yields when grown in proper conditions.
Which is better for beginners: Petunia or Impatiens?
Impatiens is more beginner-friendly due to its forgiving nature and easier care requirements. It's a great first plant for new container gardeners.
What are the main differences between Petunia and Impatiens?
The key differences include: light requirements, deadheading needs, water requirements. See the detailed comparison above for complete differences.
Should I choose Petunia or Impatiens for my balcony?
Choose petunias for sunny locations, cascading habit in hanging baskets, bold trumpet flowers, and fragrance on hot summer days. Choose impatiens for shady spots, no-deadhead convenience, north-facing spaces, and effortless color where sun-loving flowers fail. Consider your space, sunlight, and what you want to grow when making your decision.
Related Plant Guides
Complete Petunia Growing Guide
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