Impatiens are the perfect plant to bring colorful flowers to shady areas! With long lasting blooms, impatiens can be used as border plants, bedding plants or in containers.
Impatiens is a genus of flowering plants with more than 1,000 species within the family Balsaminaceae. This plant is a favorite for its nonstop colorful blooming the entire growing season. Its blue green foliage and blooms of red, purple, blue, white, orange, pink, or yellow make it stand out from other companion plants. There are main two types of Impatiens flowers, Impatiens wallerina and New Guinea Impatiens (Impatiens hawkeri). We offer both within the top impatiens series in the trade including Rockapulco®, SunPatiens®, Roller Coaster, and Infinity®, each with high tolerance to heat and humidity and resistance to powdery mildew.
Impatiens, encompassing over 1,000 species, are herbaceous perennials in USDA zones 10-11 but are commonly grown as annuals elsewhere. These plants reach up to 16 inches high and display a spectrum of colors including white, red, pink, violet, coral, purple, and yellow. Impatiens hold a compact form with self-cleaning blooms that require little maintenance. Their preference for shaded environments makes them ideal for gardens with limited sunlight.
Place impatiens beneath tree canopies or along borders where their cheery hues can lift dim corners. Let them mingle with shade perennials like ferns or hostas for pleasing textural contrast. In hanging baskets or window boxes, they can elegantly drape over edges. When planted closely in containers, they grow taller, while spacing them out allows for broader coverage as groundcover.
Impatiens Care
Impatiens should be planted after the last frost, as they are sensitive to cold temperatures. Select a shady location with rich, moist, well-drained soil. Regular watering is essential, as impatiens are not drought tolerant and will quickly wilt if the soil dries out. Applying a slow-release granular fertilizer at planting time, followed by another application mid-summer, supports continuous blooming.
Pruning impatiens is generally unnecessary, but trimming leggy stems can promote bushier growth and more flowers. Potted impatiens need rich, well-draining soil and part shade, with 2 to 4 hours of filtered light during the morning and shade in the afternoon. In colder regions, potted impatiens can be brought indoors to overwinter; cut back the stems to about 3 inches in length and place them in a south-facing window, watering when the top layer of soil feels slightly dry.
Moist, well‑drained soil rich in organic matter and a location that receives dappled to full shade support healthy impatiens.
Hydrangea supplies large, early‑season blossoms and a leafy backdrop that echoes impatiens’ thirst for shade, while hosta’s broad, sculpted foliage masks the bare stems beneath and thrives in the same cool, consistently damp ground.
Coleus contributes long‑season leaf color that pops against impatiens’ petals, and shade‑tolerant caladium slips between plants with striking, heart‑shaped leaves. All four companions share similar root‑zone moisture needs and low‑maintenance care.
Growing Zones: 10 to 11
