Message Boards

HI--I used a line of impatients across the front of my home for years but last fall all of a sudden they completely disappeared (NOT eaten by animals) NOTHING was left--even in the ground=nothing--just gone. Not pulled up either.
So I figure it must be that virus.

NOW what do I used instead of impatients for in the shade and to get color? THANK YOU.

You may want to try different varieties of hosta. They're perennials. They have beautiful coloring. You could try Astilbe, but they are perennials, too, & don't bloom all summer long. I'm sure you'll get some good ideas here.

I really like the hosta suggestion by mgt. Another thought, if using annuals, try coleus and/or caladiums. Both come in a multitude of colors...no blooms, but varigations of leaf color. The good thing about caladiums is you can lift the bulb and overwinter it, then replant the next spring...soil must be above 50 degrees before putting into the ground. So if you go the caladium route, you'd need to start the bulbs indoors. Just a thought.

ve

Oh, I agree with the coleus, too. I always have a big pot of different colored coleus by my back door. Beautiful.

begonias, coleus all are beautiful