The old-fashioned charm of geraniums, long the kings of window boxes, is slowly fading in the face of a newcomer that is already arousing the enthusiasm of urban gardeners. This year, a flower sometimes nicknamed “the flower of patience” is conquering balconies, terraces and hearts. If you thought that nothing could dethrone the traditional geraniums with their sturdy petals, get ready to rediscover your outdoor space in a new light, full of gentleness, poetry and fresh greenery!
This attractive flower is none other than the impatiens, which charms with, among other things, its ability to bloom relentlessly for months. From the first days of spring in May until the first chill of October, its cascading flowers adorn hanging planters and pots with vibrant colors. The contrast is striking: whereas geraniums require regular pruning and can tire in summer, impatiens shows no sign of running out of steam.
Its colors? They seem to have come straight out of a watercolor painting. From powder pink to deep purple, from bright coral to immaculate white, each shade seems to tell a different story. A perfect choice for those who want to create a romantic, bohemian or simply soothing atmosphere.
A star in the shadow… who also loves soft light
For a long time, north- or east-facing balconies were a real headache for gardeners. Few plants tolerate shade or partial shade without withering. This is precisely where impatiens makes the difference. This flower likes the cool and fears sunburn, unlike geraniums, which crave warmth and maximum exposure.
So, if your balcony only gets a few hours of filtered sunlight, the impatiens will thrive there. This is excellent news for city dwellings, which are often shaded by the surrounding buildings. It also allows you to green up less exposed windowsills or patios, without compromising on flowering.
A plant accessible to everyone, even without a green thumb
Don’t have time to pamper your plants? Ever killed a cactus by accident? Rest assured: impatiens is incredibly forgiving. All it needs is regular watering, ideally in the morning or in the evening during hot spells. It will even forgive you for the odd oversight, as long as the soil remains generally moist.
There is also no need for sophisticated fertilizers. A universal, well-drained potting soil, enriched once a month with a light liquid fertilizer, guarantees a luxuriant bloom. You simply need to avoid excess stagnant water, as its roots do not like having their feet in water.
Fewer pests, fewer treatments
Another significant advantage is that impatiens is much more resistant to disease than many of its counterparts. Where geraniums can fall victim to rust or attack from aphids and caterpillars, impatiens is relatively resistant to pests. This means fewer pesticides and treatments, and therefore a more environmentally friendly approach to maintenance.
Modern varieties, particularly New Guinea hybrids, are highly tolerant of climatic hazards, provided they are not exposed to temperatures below 10°C. In a mild climate, some varieties can even survive from one year to the next with minimal winter protection.
An ally of biodiversity in the city
While the issue of biodiversity is becoming central to our gardening choices, it is worth remembering that impatiens attract pollinating insects, especially bees and butterflies. It is not just an aesthetic asset: by growing this flower on your balcony, you are actively contributing to urban wildlife and the pollination of other plants around you.
By combining several varieties, you can even create a floral micro-ecosystem, offering shelter and food to an often neglected urban fauna. And what a pleasure it is to watch a butterfly land on your freshly opened flowers in the early morning!
Impatiens, a trendy and symbolic choice
If the impatiens is becoming so popular in 2025, it is no coincidence. Its delicate aesthetic, generous silhouette and romantic allure are perfectly in line with current trends. We are increasingly looking for sensitive gardens, living balconies, spaces to disconnect. And this flower embodies this gentleness, this patience, this silent grace.
It is also part of a desire to re-enchant small spaces, making them practical, ecological and poetic at the same time. Gone is the sometimes rigid exuberance of geraniums. Make way for floral emotion, lightness, personal expression.
But does that mean we have to say goodbye to geraniums?
Not necessarily. Geraniums remain robust, colorful, and suitable for certain very sunny environments. But they are no longer a matter of course. The days when every balcony sported the same combination of red and white geraniums are over. In 2025, we dare to be diverse, to reinvent the codes. Impatiens is part of this trend, with elegance, simplicity and modernity.
Impatiens is thus the perfect embodiment of changing expectations in terms of urban gardening. Gradually replacing traditional geraniums, it offers a gentler, more easy-going alternative that is better suited to a variety of situations. Whether you have a small balcony in the shade or a sheltered terrace, this romantic flower will accompany you throughout the summer, without demanding anything in return, but with generosity. Why not take the floral tenderness challenge this year?
