Impatiens

Main Impatiens Varieties

There are several main types of Impatiens that are popular for their colorful flowers and attractive foliage. Some of the most common types include:

Impatiens balsamina (Garden Balsam): The plant produces attractive, brightly colored flowers that can be single or double, in shades of pink, red, purple, and white. It is often grown in flower beds, borders, or containers.

Impatiens capensis (Orange Jewelweed): This is a North American native annual plant that reaches a height of 2 to 5 feet (60-150 cm) and produces orange, trumpet-shaped flowers with red or orange spots from mid-summer to early fall. The flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies.

Impatiens niamniamensis (Parrot Impatiens): This unique variety has exotic, parrot-like flowers that are very distinctive. It is a tender perennial typically grown as a houseplant or in a greenhouse.

Impatiens walleriana (Busy Lizzie or Balsam): This is the most common type of Impatiens and comes in a wide range of colors, including pink, red, white, and purple. It is a shade-loving plant and works well in containers or as a bedding plant.

New Guinea Impatiens (Impatiens hawkeri): These are larger than the common Impatiens and have striking flowers and foliage. They can tolerate more sun than the traditional varieties but still prefer partial shade. They are excellent for container gardening and mixed borders.

SunPatiens (Impatiens hybrid): A hybrid between traditional Impatiens and New Guinea Impatiens, SunPatiens can tolerate both sun and heat better than other types. They come in various vibrant colors and are great for borders, containers, and mass plantings.

These are just a few of the many Impatiens varieties available. Choose the ones that best suit your garden’s conditions and enjoy their colorful blooms throughout the growing season.

Garden Design with Impatiens

Designing a garden with impatiens allows you to take advantage of their vibrant colors and shade tolerance. Here are some ideas to help you create an attractive garden space with them:

Shaded borders: Plant along shaded borders or pathways to create a colorful, inviting walkway. Mix and match different colors to create a visually striking display.

Under trees and shrubs: Utilize the space under trees and shrubs by planting impatiens, which can thrive in the dappled sunlight. This adds color and interest to otherwise empty spaces in your garden.

Containers and hanging baskets: They are perfect for container gardening and hanging baskets, especially in shaded areas such as porches and balconies. Combine different colors and varieties for an eye-catching display.

Mass plantings: Create a bold, colorful statement by planting impatiens in large groups or drifts. This works particularly well in shaded areas where other flowering plants may struggle.

Layering: Plant alongside other shade-loving plants, such as ferns, hostas, or heucheras, to create a layered look with contrasting textures and colors.

Cottage gardens: They can be used to create a whimsical cottage garden feel when combined with other shade-tolerant flowering plants, like astilbe, bleeding heart, or columbine.

Window boxes: Plant in window boxes for a burst of color that can be enjoyed both inside and outside your home.

Focal points: Create focal points in your garden by planting impatiens around a birdbath, bench, or statue. This draws the eye and adds interest to the space.

By incorporating impatiens into your garden design, you can create a beautiful, colorful space even in shaded areas.

Impatiens Companion Plants

When selecting companion plants for Impatiens, consider plants that thrive in similar growing conditions, such as partial to full shade and consistently moist soil. Here are some excellent companion plants:

Ferns: Various fern species add texture and a sense of lushness to the garden, complementing the colorful blooms of Impatiens.

Hostas: With their striking foliage, hostas are a great choice for adding contrast and interest to your shade garden. Their large, attractive leaves pair well with the delicate flowers of Impatiens.

Coleus: Coleus plants are known for their stunning, colorful foliage. They can provide a striking contrast to the bright blooms of Impatiens and thrive in similar growing conditions.

Heuchera (Coral Bells): Heuchera offers a variety of foliage colors and textures that can complement and contrast with Impatiens. The delicate, bell-shaped flowers of Heuchera add an extra layer of visual interest.

Astilbe: Astilbe’s feathery plumes in shades of pink, red, white, or purple make an excellent companion to the bold blooms of Impatiens. Both plants appreciate moist, well-draining soil.

Begonias: Like Impatiens, begonias are shade-loving plants with attractive blooms. They can be paired with Impatiens to create a colorful, vibrant display in shaded garden areas.

Lamium (Dead Nettle): Lamium’s variegated foliage provides a striking contrast to the bright flowers of Impatiens, and its ground-covering habit helps to suppress weeds.

Fuchsia: Fuchsia plants, with their unique, pendulous flowers, can be an eye-catching companion for Impatiens in containers or hanging baskets.

Lobelia: Lobelia’s delicate flowers and mounding habit make it an excellent companion for Impatiens, especially in containers or along borders.

Hydrangea: The large, showy flowers of hydrangeas pair well with Impatiens and can create a stunning visual impact in a partially shaded garden.

By choosing compatible companion plants for Impatiens, you can create an attractive, cohesive garden display with a variety of colors, textures, and shapes that thrive in similar growing conditions.

Growing Tips

To grow healthy and vibrant impatiens, follow these growing tips:

Light: They thrive in partial to full shade. They can tolerate some morning sun but should be protected from harsh afternoon sunlight.

Soil: Plant in well-draining, fertile soil. They prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0 to 6.5. If your soil is heavy clay or sandy, amend it with organic matter to improve drainage and nutrient content.

Water: They need consistent moisture, so water them regularly to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Avoid overhead watering, which can encourage the growth of fungal diseases.

Fertilization: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting time, or use a water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced flowering.

Deadheading: Although not required, you can pinch off spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering and maintain a neat appearance.

Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plants to help conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.

Disease prevention: To prevent fungal diseases like downy mildew or powdery mildew, space your plants properly to ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and remove any infected plants promptly.

Pest control: Watch for common pests like aphids, spider mites, or whiteflies, and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil if needed.

Overwintering: If you live in a region with frost, you can bring your impatiens indoors for the winter. Place them in a bright, indirect light location and reduce watering to allow the plants to rest. Alternatively, you can treat them as annuals and plant new impatiens each spring.

By following these growing tips, you can enjoy beautiful plants in your garden, adding vibrant color to shaded areas throughout the growing season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my impatiens suddenly dying?

If your impatiens are suddenly dying, it could be due to a few factors:

• Downy mildew: This fungal disease causes yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and, eventually plant death. Remove infected plants and avoid planting impatiens in the same area for a few years.
• Root rot: Overwatering or poorly draining soil can cause root rot, which leads to plant decline and death. Ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering.
• Pests: Pests like aphids, spider mites, or thrips can damage plants, causing them to weaken and die. Inspect your plants for pests and treat them with insecticidal soap or neem oil if needed.

What do overwatered impatiens look like?

Overwatered impatiens may exhibit the following symptoms:

• Yellowing leaves: Leaves may turn yellow and become soft or mushy, indicating excess moisture.
• Wilting: Even with plenty of water, overwatered plants can wilt due to damaged roots.
• Root rot: Overwatering can cause roots to rot, which may result in a foul smell and dark, mushy roots.
• Mold or mildew: Excess moisture can create a breeding ground for mold and mildew on the plant’s surface.

Why are my impatiens leaves turning brown and falling off?

Impatiens leaves turning brown and falling off can be due to a few reasons:

• Underwatering: Insufficient water can cause leaves to dry out, turn brown, and fall off. Ensure a consistent watering schedule, keeping the soil evenly moist but not soggy.
• Sunburn: Excessive sun exposure can scorch the leaves, causing them to turn brown and fall off. Make sure your plants are in a suitable location with partial to full shade.
• Pests or diseases: Pests like spider mites or diseases like fungal infections can cause leaves to brown and fall off. Inspect your plants for signs of pests or diseases and treat them accordingly.
• Nutrient deficiency: A lack of essential nutrients can cause leaf browning and shedding. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth.