These most popular of annuals begin blooming almost as soon as you plant them and never let up.
To beginning gardeners, impatiens can be a great confidence builder.
Impatiens are traditionally grown in part orfull shade, but there are new hybrids that will take full sun.
Credit: Getty/work by Lisa Kling
But there are a few things you should know about caring for impatiens that we’ll share below.
In deep shade, they can grow lanky and bloom less.
New Guinea impatiens may still need some protection from the sun during the hottest hours of the day.
Without frequent watering, full-sun exposure can fry the margins of leaves and cause buds to drop.
They also do well in part sun, but in full shade, they will flower less.
If you are planting in the ground,amend the soilto improve drainage and enrich the soil.
This is especially important with heavy clay soil.
A thin layer of compost will help provide plants in the landscape with a good start.
Water
Traditional impatiens and New Guinea impatiens need frequent watering, especially in the heat.
Check the soil for dryness daily.
The plants will wilt dramatically but usually bounce back quickly once watered.
Potted impatiens may require watering twice on hotter days.
They drink a lot of water.
Watering at the plants base is best for keeping the foliage dry.
Though far from drought-tolerant, SunPatiens are more tolerant of dryness once they are established.
They still need a good soak in hot weather.
Don’t overwater any impatiens, however, which can cause the plants to rot.
Expect to water more frequently when temperatures climb into the 90s or when the weather is hot and dry.
Impatiens don’t tolerate cold weather and will wilt and die once frost arrives.
Fertilizer
Impatiens benefit from amoderate amount of fertilizer.
For potted plants, use a water-soluble fertilizer every two to three weeks.
To promote bushier growth and more flowers, trim off the top 1/3 of the plant.
Using sterile pruners, cut three-inch sections of stem.
Remove all but the top set of leaves and stick each stem in moist potting soil.
Place in a shady spot and keep the soil moist.
Transplant once a good root system has developed.
In most climates, seeds should be started indoors eight to 10 weeks before the last frost date.
Fill a tray with seed-starting mixture and moisten.
Use a clear plastic dome or sheet of plastic over top and keep moist.
The seeds germinate in about three weeks, with plants taking about three months to bloom.
Potting And Repotting Impatiens
Impatiens make excellentcontainer plants.
Plant impatiens in high-quality potting soil in a container with good drainage.
it’s possible for you to place a saucer underneath to conserve moisture in dryer weather.
Small transplants can take a while to fill a pot, especially during cooler weather.
By the end of summer, the mounded plants grow bushy and can reach 18-24 inches wide.
Cut the plants back 1/3 to 1/2 when you do so.
Do not fertilize plants over the winter.
If you’re having trouble getting impatiens to bloom, weather or light exposure are the most likely culprits.
Impatiens are known as shade-lovers but don’t bloom as well in deep shade.
Increasing light exposure may help.
With the exception of SunPatiens, hot weather may cause blooms to drop.
Cold night-time temperatures can also impact blooming.
Empty any saucers under potted plants.
Only water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Provide protection from afternoon sun if needed.
Water to keep moist, but not soggy.
Give your impatiens a good drinkpotted plants may benefit from a saucer to provide an extra reservoir of water.
They do need some sun to thrive.
Plant in partial shade or an area with morning sun and afternoon shade.
Give them two to four hours of sun a day for best results.
Impatiens pair well with ferns in hanging baskets.
These shade-loving flowers add color in borders, under trees, in hanging baskets, and in window boxes.
Plant large groupings of them in areas where other plants may not do well.
Impatiens are good for attracting hummingbirds to the garden.
Hummingbirds like the brightly colored flowers and their nectar.
utility patent granted for Beacon Impatiens.
