Impatiens vs. Vinca: What's the Difference?
If you’re looking for vibrant color in your South Florida garden, both impatiens and vinca offer beautiful blooms and lush foliage. However, these two plants have key differences that make them suited for different growing conditions. For me, it's vinca over impatiens every time. Here's why.
Impatiens: The Classic Choice
Impatiens (Impatiens walleriana) are a beloved choice for gardeners seeking a burst of color in shaded areas. These annuals produce delicate, jewel-toned flowers in shades of pink, red, white, purple, and orange. Their soft, dark green leaves provide a lush background for their prolific blooms.
But be warned: they basically melt in the summer and they're a thirst trap. Once you plant them you've got to be on top of watering daily or it's game over quickly. They're stunning, but unforgiving. Plus iguanas love impatiens.
Features of Impatiens:
Thrives in Shade: Perfect for areas with partial to full shade.
Moisture-Loving: Requires consistently moist, well-draining soil.
Compact Growth Habit: Grows in mounds, making them great for borders and containers.
Disease-Prone: Susceptible to downy mildew, which has led to the development of resistant varieties like Beacon Impatiens.
Iguana Magnet: Unfortunately, South Florida’s invasive iguanas love to eat impatiens, making them a risky choice for gardens frequented by these reptiles.
Impatiens are ideal for adding color to areas under trees, along shaded walkways, or in patio containers where sun exposure is limited. However, they can struggle in hot, dry conditions and may wilt if not watered consistently.
Vinca: The Heat-Tolerant, Iguana-Resistant Powerhouse
Vinca (Catharanthus roseus), also known as Madagascar periwinkle, is a sun-loving plant with glossy green leaves and cheerful flowers in shades of pink, white, red, and purple. Unlike impatiens, vinca thrives in full sun and dry conditions, making it a great option for heat-tolerant landscapes.
Key Features of Vinca:
Loves Sun: Prefers full sun but can tolerate some light shade.
Drought-Resistant: Requires little water once established.
Spreading Growth Habit: Makes an excellent ground cover.
Disease-Resistant: Not susceptible to downy mildew, making it a safer alternative in humid regions.
Iguana-Resistant: Unlike impatiens, vinca is not a favorite snack for iguanas, making it a better choice for South Florida gardens where these reptiles are common.
Vinca is a fantastic choice for hot, sunny garden beds, hanging baskets or containers, and areas that don’t receive regular watering. Its ability to withstand heat and drought makes it a low-maintenance, fuss-free alternative to impatiens in full-sun locations.
How to Tell Them Apart
Although impatiens and vinca can look similar at first glance, there are key differences that make them easy to distinguish:
Leaves: Impatiens have soft, slightly rounded leaves with a matte green finish, while vinca has glossy, more elongated leaves with a leathery texture.
Flowers: Impatiens flowers are delicate and slightly ruffled, with a flatter bloom and a small central eye. Vinca flowers are more structured, with a distinct star-like shape and a more prominent center.
Growth Habit: Impatiens tend to grow in dense, bushy mounds, whereas vinca spreads outwards and can function as ground cover.
Stem Texture: Impatiens stems are soft and succulent-like, breaking easily when bent, while vinca stems are firmer and more resistant to breakage.
Which One Should You Choose?
The best choice depends on your garden’s conditions and personal taste:
If you have shaded areas with consistent moisture and no iguana problems, go for impatiens.
If you need a tough, drought-resistant, and iguana-proof flower for sunny spots, choose vinca.
Both plants offer season-long color and are easy to grow, but their needs differ significantly.
Personally, vincas are the obvious choice every time, a Pamela Crawford favorite, I make sure to add some to every garden I'm able to. And even though they're technically sold as annual color, I've had some surprisingly come back for years.
Growing with you,
-- Jennifer Love