Height: 1-2 feet

Flowers: 1-2 inches wide

Position: Sun to partial shade

Soil: Moist

No flowering plant is more popular for a shady location than impatiens. Not only does it have an extensive range of colors (15 at last count), but it flowers nonstop, gathering momentum soon after transplanting and continuing lavishly all summer. The mound-shaped plants are classified as dwarf (1 foot), medium (2 feet), or tall (3 feet or more), and spread to several times their mature height. The flowers are small (up to 2 inches across) but numerous; color choices include white, crimson, scarlet, pink, salmon, orchid, rose, and orange, and a range of bicolors. Some varieties have double flowers.

Although famous for its vibrant, prolonged displays in shade, impatiens will also grow in full sun provided that the soil is cool and moist. To achieve these conditions add plenty of humus (especially peat, compost, or leaf mold), water frequently, or surround the beds with brick or flagstone to insulate the soil.