How can I use impatiens in my landscape?

Impatiens are great bedding plants, especially for shady areas. They are also great for container gardens such as hanging baskets or window boxes.

Do I need to fertilize my impatiens?

Yes, plants flower best when regularly fertilized with water soluble fertilizer. Every couple of weeks during the growing season. Another option is a slow-release granular fertilizer used at the beginning of spring and then about ½ way through the summer. Follow product instructions.

How much water do I need to use to keep my plants thriving?

Impatiens in the ground typically take about 2 inches of water per week (this will vary with soil and temperature). When temperatures are hot, they may need double the amount of water as normal. When used in containers they need daily watering.

Do I need to prune my impatiens?

If your plants become leggy during summer, use sharp scissors or shears to cut off the top third of the vegetation. This keeps the plants looking neat and promotes more blooms.

Do I need to do anything with my plants at the end of the growing season.

Yes, to avoid disease in your garden pull up the dead plants and discard. For potted plants they can be brought indoors until warmer weather emerges.

Should I deadhead my impatiens?

Impatiens are self-cleaning, so you do not need to remove the spent flowers.

My impatiens are not blooming the leaves look great?

Avoid over fertilizing the plants with a high nitrogen fertilizer.

Can I overwinter impatiens in the house?

Yes, you can! They need morning sun, be sure to keep the soil evenly moist. Impatiens need high humidity so place the pot on a tray of damp pebble to raise the humidity around the plant. Over time impatiens will grow woody and you will want to start with fresh plants.

What are alternatives to impatiens?

Some other reliable shade-tolerant annuals are wax begonia, ivy geranium, and torenia.