polka dot plant vs. impatiens (flower, irrigation, crape, myrtles)

[normie]

I have a large shady spot that need brightly colored bedding plants. I'm trying to decide between red impatiens or red polka dot plant (Hyposetes phyllostachya Splash red).

Some considerations: I live in the upper south, and the dog days of summer get pretty hot here. The flower bed has good soil, mulch, and irrigation. Deer have been known to come by this spot, but not all that frequently.

Any thoughts on which flower would be better?

[ellie]

I think you'll get more bang for your buck with impatiens. Polka dot plants look cute when they're small, but once they get taller they seem to fade.

You may also want to try caladiums, shade loving coleus, or begonias.

[RDSLOTS]

Coleus come in a wide variety of colors, color combinations, and leaf variations, and if you'll pinch them as they grow, they will bush out nicely. They don't seem to mind the heat and humidity of coastal NC, but they will wilt mid-day. I had great luck with them, and caladiums, planted under wax myrtles that had been pruned up, similar to a crape myrtle.

I have also had impatiens do very well, too, and provide a lot of color. Nice thing about impatiens is that they will keep blooming until the frost hits them, and if they are in a good-enough location, many will re-seed and come back the next year.