The Differences Between Impatiens and Begonias [Find Out Which Is Better]

What’s the distinction between impatiens and begonias? Their habitat, blooming pattern, seed type, sex determination, foliage types, uses, and other characteristics are all well-known and distinct.

Knowing the distinctions between impatiens and begonias plants will allow you to make an informed decision when purchasing or planting one of these lovely plants in your garden or home.

Impatiens and begonias are two of the most popular flowering plant varieties. Depending on what you’re using them for, each has its own personality, benefits, and drawbacks.

Continue reading to learn more about how these flower plants differ so you can make an informed choice-

Difference Between Impatiens And Begonias: Comparison Chart

1. Systematic Position Differences

2. Character Differences

Detailed Debate on Impatiens And Begonias Flowering Plants

Both are flowering plants, but impatiens and begonias have many similarities and differences. So, whether you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind flower to add visual interest to your garden or you want to learn more about one of the most common flowering plants, keep reading.

1. Flower

Impatiens is a flower species in the Balsaminaceae family. They are available in a variety of colors, including red, orange, pink, purple, and others.

These were originally from India but were spread by European colonization to other areas where their spreading habit made them an attractive addition to gardens. This flower is related to petunias and other members of the Balsaminaceae family.

Begonias are a flowering plant genus distinguished by large flowers that are typically pink, purple, or white.

It’s been around for centuries, but it really took off during the Victorian era. It can be grown both indoors and outdoors, and it prefers moist soil when grown outside.

2. Leaves

Another distinction between these two plant types is their foliage. Impatiens have triangular leaves, whereas begonias have rounder shapes with a wide range of variety and form.

Begonias are classified as tuberous, wax-leafed, semperflorens (or tall), pygmy, rex, cane-stemmed, and rhizomatous. Tuberous begonias bloom primarily in the winter, whereas wax-leafed begonias bloom all year.

Pruning is required for Semperflorens and cane-stemmed begonias. Rex begonias have upright stems with glossy leaves that produce flowers. Rhizomatous begonias have roots that grow along their stems, so they don’t require much soil; they work well in hanging baskets because they are light.

Large leaves with varying shades of green resemble pine needles. Both have a lot of colorful flowers that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which help them pollinate other plants nearby.

3. Root

The root is one of the most crucial parts of any plant. Both plants require warm temperatures and full sun to thrive, but there are some key differences when it comes to roots.

4. Water Requirements

It is critical to water begonias and impatiens to ensure their growth, health, and appearance.

5. Temperature Preference

Begonias are a type of flowering plant that thrives in both warm and cool climates. They prefer cool weather in general, with most preferring slightly cooler climates than impatiens.

Impatiens, on the other hand, require warmer temperatures to thrive. It is best for them to spend the summer outdoors and the winter indoors.

6. Houseplant vs Outdoor Plant

Impatiens, also known as “Touch-me-not,” is a Southern Hemisphere native. These perennial flowering plants can reach six inches in height and have trumpet-shaped flowers. Because they prefer more humid environments and grow best in partial shade, they are frequently grown indoors.

Begonias are a type of shrub that grows outdoors in mild climates such as USDA Zones 9 and 10. They have big leaves and come in a variety of colors like blue, purple, pink, white, and red. Flowers are typically long-stemmed. The majority of begonia varieties bloom in the summer but will continue to bloom until frost.

7. Environment Preferences

Many people plant impatiens in pots by filling a container with a soilless mix of peat moss, sand, or compost. It is best to plant them near trees in the ground to provide shade from the sun. They are not deep-rooted plants like roses, but they are susceptible to moisture when young, making them susceptible to wilt.

A common misconception is that impatiens require shade both when they flower and when they grow. Water is what they require. Shade simply slows the evaporation of water from their leaves. Begonias have flowers that can last for weeks.

They’re also resistant to diseases like downy mildew and blight. The only disadvantage is that begonias require more light than most other plants, so they do not do well indoors unless there is plenty of natural light.

8. Planting Practices

Begonias and impatiens both require a lot of water when it comes to planting time. Begonias, on the other hand, require slightly more water than impatiens – they require around 1 inch of water per day, whereas impatiens require only 0.5-0.75 inches of water per day during the flowering period.

Both plants will bloom within a few days of being planted, but begonias bloom faster. Both plants make excellent indoor plants, and while begonias prefer cooler climates, both varieties can be grown indoors in warmer climates.

Tips Check for pests, especially aphids and thrips, while the plant is growing. Aphids have needle-like mouth parts that inject honeydew onto your plants, which is then used by sooty mold fungi to form an unsightly black coating on the foliage. Thrips feed on all types of garden produce (including flowers) by sucking out juices through tiny holes they make in leaves; they cause damage by feeding and introducing viruses that stunt plant growth.

Which One Should Be the Part of Your Landscape?

Given how quickly both of these species grow, deciding which one should take up the majority of your garden space can be difficult. On the surface, they may appear to be the same. However, as you’ll see here, a variety of factors influence these plants’ suitability for your landscape design.

Impatiens may work better if you live in a colder climate. They have a wider range of cold-hardy varieties than begonias. If you live in a warmer climate, however, begonias may be a better choice because they are less sensitive to heat and sun exposure than impatiens.

Regardless of the differences in climate, both plants have some advantages. Both plants have a lovely flower display composed of several smaller flowers on each stem. They also require very little maintenance.

These plants work best when planted together to create a striking contrast or to provide color throughout the season. As long as you understand your climate and how to care for begonias and impatiens, either of these plants would make excellent additions to your garden.

This Video from Garten Factory May Help!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Last Words

Impatiens and begonias are two flowering plants to consider if you want to add a splash of color to your garden. While both plants have some similarities, there are a few key differences between impatiens and begonias flowers. I hope you found what you were looking for.

Happy Gardening!