Impatiens Elevated: Creative Ways to Display These Shade-Loving Annuals

Impatiens are among the most versatile summer plants, thriving equally well in hanging baskets, containers, and lightly shaded beds. Their colorful flowers—in shades of lavender, pink, orange, and white—are so beautiful that many gardeners prefer to grow them at eye level. Here are two creative ways to give impatiens a lift.

Fanfare and Filigree

Fanfare series trailing impatiens have stems reaching 8 to 10 inches long. In the photo, lavender and hot pink varieties fill an 18-inch-diameter hanging basket (sold as Imperial Hanging Planter from Kinsman Company; 800/733-4146). The basket features a coconut fiber liner and rests in a larger 36-inch-tall wrought-iron planter from a nursery.

This elevated display brings the blooms up to eye level, making their colors more visible and their care easier. The combination of the hanging basket within a decorative stand creates a striking vertical element for patios, porches, or shaded garden corners.