If you have a spot of shade in your garden, the impatiens would like to move in. This is a plant that thrives in the shade and adds just the right pop of color to an otherwise dark area. Finding plants to complement your impatiens is an easy and fun undertaking. Many plants that do well in the shade, with the same moisture and fertilizer requirements as the impatiens. This means lots of moisture and a light application of fertilizer every four to six weeks, and hardiness in USDA Zones 7b to 11.

Astilbes

Plant this colorful perennial behind your impatiens to create a dramatic backdrop. Add some peat moss to the soil when planting the astilbes to help the soil retain moisture. Fertilize them with the same 5-10-5 fertilizer you use for the impatiens. It is hardy to USDA Zones 4 to 8.

Maidenhair Fern

This delicate fern looks perfect planted near the impatiens. It, too, requires a humus-enriched soil, so add compost or peat moss when planting. On hot days it may need an extra watering. This plant is hardy to USDA Zones 3 to 8.

Columbine

This plant blooms with large flowers in shades of yellow, blue, white and purple. It will grow to 20 inches tall so is best planted behind the impatiens. Good news: it will continue to bloom until winter. It is hardy in USDA Zones 3 to 8.