By Avrilcoutts
Brussels,
Belgium 
I normally plant impatients in this shady garden bed but they have been completely eaten by the slugs – even though I put down slug pellets. I think they must be nested underneath and eating away the roots. As you can see from the photo, it is a pitiful sight. I think some kind of perennial might be an answer – would appreciate any hints.
28 Jun, 2012
Answers
Sorry to hear that Avril.I have never had problems with slugs eating Impatiens,they have always been fine..but the past couple of years,these plants have succumbed to a virus,and a lot of people are not selling or buying them here,this year...maybe that could be the reason yours have failed...don't put them in your compost bin,if you have one..sorry to be a bit doom and gloom,but it's best if you are aware...
28 Jun, 2012
I was thinking the same,they look just like mine did last year although mine didn't die off till later in the season,later than most.So this year I've gone for Begonia's along my shady wall for a change,will miss them though.
28 Jun, 2012
My impatiens succumbed to the virus last year as well. I replaced them once because I thought they'd been eaten. I did without them this year, but I have missed them!
28 Jun, 2012
B&Q completly scraped dozens of the New Guinea type Busy lizzies . When I asked why they were in a skip I was told it was because of the virus which has been affecting them for the last couple of years.
What a waste I was told I could take them but at my own peril, as it could likely spread to other types of plants.The small type of begonia are an exellent choice as a replacement plant as they enjoy the same conditions,and don't drop their petals as much.Plus they are more rain tolerant.
28 Jun, 2012
New guinea were not supposed to be affected but I have lost one allready.....and they are expensive!
28 Jun, 2012
I thought the New guinea's were unaffected too.
28 Jun, 2012
I was told by my local nursery that New Guineas were not affected - mine are not flowering very impressively (some not at all) but I had put that down to the weather. Time will tell, I suppose. I certainly haven't seen the total collapse that the impatiens suffered last year.
28 Jun, 2012
That looks the perfect spot for a collection of heucheras
28 Jun, 2012
Thanks to everybody. All comments taken on board.
AVRIL
29 Jun, 2012
Astibles are good for full shade and ive never had a problem with slugs. Was going to suggest hosta but maybe not if you think you may have a nest.
Maybe a geranium could be of use aswel.
Many others just search shade perennials.
28 Jun, 2012