Impatiens 
Prized for both their ability to perform well in shade, Impatiens can be used in several ways. Suitable as an annual bedding plant, they also perform well in containers, window boxes, baskets and raised planters.
Impatiens Varieties
| Varieties |
Characteristics |
| Standard Impatiens |
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Their single flowers come in a wide range of solid colors (white, pink, rose, red, purple and lavender) and habits; there are also some swirled and picotee varieties. |
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There are several different types of series, which vary in height, such as: |
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Super-Elfin, a spreading series. |
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Accent, a good medium size series. |
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Blitz 3000, a tall-growing series. |
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| Double Impatiens |
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Double blooms that resemble miniature roses. |
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Colors range from white, pink, rose, red, purple and lavender. |
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| New Guinea Impatiens |
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Their flowers are much larger than other Impatiens with colors that almost glow. |
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The foliage is larger and the plants are more upright than spreading. |
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Some of the varieties have variegated leaves. |
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New Guinea Impatiens were developed to tolerate more sun. |
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| Hybrid Impatiens |
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The Seashell series of hybrid Impatiens offers some incredible colors not available in other types of impatiens. |
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On plants that are slightly more upright than standard Impatiens, the Seashell series comes in a true yellow and fruit colors such as papaya, apricot, passion, peach and tangerine. |
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Another hybrid series is called Firefly; it is a compact plant with small, delicate flowers in a range of colors. |
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Hybrid Impatiens are not as prolific as other varieties listed above. |
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Tips for Growing Impatiens
| Light Requirements |
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Medium to light shade. |
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Impatiens will survive in partial sun but will require more frequent watering; avoid any direct sun from west exposures. |
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| Watering |
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Constant moisture is important for Impatiens |
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| Temperature requirements |
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Impatiens are not frost tolerant. |
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Avoid planting outdoors until after May 10 or later. |
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| Fertilizer |
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If planted in the ground, top dress soil with 10–10–10 granular fertilizer at time of planting and then again in early summer. |
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Impatiens are heavy feeders; when planted in containers should be fertilized every week with a water-soluble fertilizer. |
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| Grooming |
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Impatiens are self-cleaning; therefore it is not necessary to prune off dead flowers. |
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To encourage branching, pinch off blooms 1 week after planting. |
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Troubleshooting Problems with Impatiens
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Problem
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Solution(s)
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| Not Blooming |
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This is common after transplanting; reassess after 2 weeks. |
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The plant may not be receiving enough light. |
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| Not Growing |
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This is common if Impatiens were planted in soil that hasn’t warmed up to the ideal temperature. |
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Once the soil has warmed, fertilize with a water-soluble fertilizer. |
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| Legginess |
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Many varieties of impatiens need pinching to encourage branching and limit their height. |
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| Pest Problems |
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Deer, rabbits and slugs enjoy impatiens; check with a Bachman’s representative for treatment options. |
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| Disease Problems |
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Occasionally, Impatiens will develop spots on the leaves, moldy fuzz on the blooms, or a root rot. |
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If this happens, speak with one of Bachman’s horticulturists for assistance. |
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Related Bachman's Information
Bachman's Floral, Gift & Garden Centers
Your local garden expert since 1885.
bachmans.com | ©Bachman's 2012
Select source information provided by the University of Minnesota Extension, www.extension.umn.edu.
Last Updated: April 2012
