Impatiens: Plants Care & Growing Guide

Impatiens are one of the most popular annual flowers, known for their vibrant colors and ability to flourish in shady areas. While these plants are technically tropical perennials, they are commonly grown as annuals in most regions (zones 10 to 12).

Their widespread appeal is due to their ease of care, making them a favorite among gardeners looking to add color to the shady corners of their gardens or containers.

What Are Impatiens?

Belonging to the Balsam family, the genus Impatiens includes numerous species, two of which are particularly popular in gardens: Impatiens walleriana and Impatiens hawkeri (New Guinea impatiens). The name "Impatiens" comes from the Latin word meaning "impatient," referring to how their ripe seed pods pop open with the slightest touch, as if eager to release their seeds.

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Types of Impatiens for Your Garden

There are two main types of impatiens commonly found in gardens:

Impatiens walleriana: Known as the common impatiens, this variety is compact, growing up to 12 inches tall. It’s a staple in North American gardens, especially in shady areas. With a range of colors including white, red, pink, violet, coral, and purple, they offer shade tolerance and long-lasting blooms.
Impatiens hawkeri: Also known as New Guinea impatiens, this variety is larger, more vibrant, and can tolerate a bit more sun. It’s an excellent choice for containers and hanging baskets. In addition to its resistance to downy mildew, New Guinea impatiens are celebrated for their showy foliage.

Planting Impatiens: What to Know

Growing impatiens from seed can be a longer process, taking several months to mature into flowering plants. For quicker results, most gardeners start with nursery seedlings that are already close to blooming. Here are some important considerations when planting impatiens:

Botanical Name: Impatiens spp.
Common Name: Impatiens, Busy Lizzy
Plant Type: Tender perennial, usually grown as an annual
Size: 6–36 inches tall; 1–3 feet wide
Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
Soil: Rich, well-draining soil
Soil pH: 6.0–6.5 (slightly acidic)
Bloom Time: Spring through summer
Color: Pastel and vibrant colors
Zones: 10 to 11; grown as annuals elsewhere
Native Area: Africa, Eurasia, New Guinea
Toxicity: Non-toxic to humans; may be slightly toxic to pets

Essential Care Tips for Impatiens

Impatiens are easy to grow, making them a top choice for beginners. Here’s how to ensure they thrive:

Light Requirements

Impatiens thrive in shaded or semi-shaded locations, making them one of the few flowers that produce vibrant blooms even in full shade. While the common impatiens prefer shaded areas, New Guinea varieties can handle more sun, especially if watered regularly. In northern regions, they can tolerate partial sun, provided they receive enough water.

Soil Needs

Impatiens perform best in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. It’s crucial to ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot, as impatiens require consistent moisture. Adding compost or organic mulch can enhance soil structure and help retain moisture.

Watering Impatiens

Impatiens are water-loving plants and need at least two inches of water per week. During hot spells or when temperatures exceed 80°F, increase watering to four inches weekly. In containers and hanging baskets, they might require daily watering. However, avoid overwatering to prevent fungal issues.

Temperature and Humidity

Impatiens are sensitive to heat, especially when temperatures exceed 85°F. In such conditions, water more frequently, as impatiens in containers may need twice-daily watering. If plants wilt during dry spells, a quick watering session can often revive them. Since they are tropical plants, impatiens won’t survive frost, so they should be brought indoors during cold months.

Fertilizing Impatiens

Regular fertilization is key to promoting continuous blooms. Use a water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks during spring and summer, or opt for a slow-release fertilizer in early spring and mid-summer. If your impatiens become leggy by late summer, trim back a third of the foliage to encourage new blooms.

Popular Varieties of Impatiens

Impatiens come in a wide range of varieties, offering gardeners many options to suit their tastes. Some popular types include:

Impatiens walleriana 'Imara XDR': This disease-resistant line became available in 2019 and is known for its vibrant colors.
Impatiens walleriana 'Beacon': Introduced in 2020, this series is also mildew-resistant, offering a variety of color options.
Impatiens hawkeri 'Celebration' series: One of the best New Guinea varieties, known for its bright colors and compact growth.
Impatiens x 'Bounce' series: A hybrid of New Guinea and standard impatiens, this series is known for its mildew resistance and ability to thrive in both sun and shade.
Impatiens x 'SunPatiens' series: This variety boasts large blooms and is a cross between New Guinea and standard impatiens.

Propagation and Growth

Impatiens can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. While they self-seed, it’s often more reliable to propagate them from cuttings:

Cut a 4-6 inch shoot from a healthy plant.
Remove the lower leaves and any flowers or seed pods.
Place the cutting in water, keeping it in a bright area but out of direct sunlight.
Once roots develop, plant the cutting in potting soil and continue growing it indoors until it can be transplanted outside after the last frost.

Managing Pests and Diseases

Impatiens can face challenges from downy mildew, viruses, fungal diseases, and insect pests like aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. Proper spacing, regular monitoring, and occasional treatment with horticultural oils can help manage these issues. New Guinea varieties generally offer better resistance to mildew, making them a safer choice for areas prone to humid conditions.

With their bright colors and shade-loving nature, impatiens add vibrant charm to any garden. Their versatility makes them suitable for borders, containers, or flower beds. By understanding their basic care needs and choosing the right varieties, you can enjoy a burst of color from spring through summer.