Impatiens image 1
Impatiens image 2
Impatiens image 3

Impatiens

Impatiens walleriana

Category: Flowers

Impatiens are popular bedding plants and one of the most common shade flowering plants in the US. Bright and prolific blooms of white, peach, apricot, pink, and red are present from late spring until the first frost of fall. Impatiens can be used as a shade bedding plant and in containers, especially pots providing bright color in part-shade/shady beds and hanging from trees. Be aware containers will need frequent watering and good drainage.

How to Grow Impatiens

Quick Info

Spacing
1/Square
Depth
0.1 in
0.1 in
Sun
Shade to Part Sun
Water
1 in/week
Season
Warm
Frost
Not tolerant
Height
1-2 ft
Germination
5-18 days
Germination Temp
70-75 °F
Sprout to Harvest
50-70 days
Soil pH
Slightly Acidic

Put away the pen and paper

Plan your veggie garden in minutes with Planter's easy drag and drop planner.

Try Planter for Free
Planter app garden planner preview

Varieties

Accent Premium Formula Mix
Accent Premium Formula Mix A popular, early-flowering variety producing abundant blooms in 18 brilliant, distinct shades for garden beds and containers.
Beacon Pearl Island Mix
Beacon Pearl Island Mix Highly resistant to Impatiens Powdery Mildew, offering classic, long-lasting beauty for shaded areas.
Beacon Red White Mixture
Beacon Red White Mixture Exceptional powdery mildew resistance supports large, traditional blooms, offering season-long beauty in shaded settings.
Double Athena Hybrid Mix
Double Athena Hybrid Mix This impatiens features consistent semi-double, rose-like blooms, offering vibrant color for baskets and garden beds.
Mediterranean XP Series Formula Mix Vinca
Mediterranean XP Series Formula Mix Vinca This trailing annual offers the largest blooms with synchronized flowering across all colors, including a unique true-red, perfect for containers.
Mediterranean XP Series True Red Vinca
Mediterranean XP Series True Red Vinca Features large, true-red blooms in a trailing habit, a distinctive color rarely seen in similar varieties.
New Guinea
New Guinea New Guinea Impatiens (I. hawkeri) is a sun-tolerant variety and mildew resistance. Seeds germinate in 12-25 days at 75-80°F (24-26.5°C). New Guinea impatiens are easily identified by their dark green with red/purple undersides, serrated, elongated leaves. They are especially attractive to butterflies.
Premium Sun Ruby Hearts Coleus
Premium Sun Ruby Hearts Coleus Features heart-shaped royal red leaves with serrated chartreuse edges, ideal for adding vibrant color to shaded areas.
View all 13 varieties →

Pests

Diseases

Beneficial Critters

Growing from Seed

Most impatiens seeds are pelleted- be sure potting medium is moist so covering will disintegrate. Use fresh seed as pelleted seeds do not store well. Optimal growing temps are 65-70°F (18-21°C) post-germination. Do not cover, as impatiens are very susceptible to rot.

Planting Considerations

Transplant impatiens when soil temperatures are over 60°F (15°C).

Feeding

Fertilize monthly with a high phosphorus/low nitrogen blend to promote flowering.

Harvesting

Seeds can be harvested in fall. Store in airtight container for spring planting.

Pruning

Trim back 1/3 when plants get leggy.

Get Planter

Available everywhere

Planter app on multiple devices