Geraniums are gorgeous flowers, but they can be a hassle to care for. They require regular pruning if you don’t want them to get too leggy, and deadheading is crucial for a healthy plant.
They also require a lot of sun to look their best, but if your garden isn’t bright enough, don’t despair. If you love the burst of colour they provide but not the upkeep, why not switch to an equally beautiful plant that requires less upkeep? Impatiens are a gorgeous alternative to geraniums and are much hardier.
These beautiful blooms have two varieties — common impatiens and New Guinea impatiens.
The first, common impatiens, are shade-loving plants that will flower constantly even with little light, perfect for a shady British back garden.
The New Guinea variant likes a little more sun, but will still be happy in shade. If you do have a sunny spot for them, make sure to regularly water them.
Neither variant needs deadheading as they maintain themselves, which makes them much easier to look after than geraniums.
Both varieties will grow beautifully in containers, baskets, or the garden. All they need is moist, well-drained soil. If you want to get the most out of them, plant them in early spring after the danger of frost has passed.
If you do choose to grow them in pots, make sure they have drainage holes to allow excess water out, and keep them watered during hot, dry weather.
Impatiens can wilt in hot conditions, so check the soil for dryness and give them a good soaking if the soil is arid.
They can be prone to root rot, so be careful with your watering — too much of a good thing might cause them to stop thriving.
