Impatiens flowers are popular annual flowering plants that are used in private gardens and most indoor spaces as stunning ornamental plants.
Native to North American regions, the Impatiens plant is a member of the Balsaminaceae family and is known for its dark green foliage that produces bright-colored blooms with a variety of colors that can range from pink to white, to yellow, to red to purple.
It is also used as a herbal plant in treating skin rashes that might be caused by insect bites, bee stings, or rashes from contact with a poison ivy plant.
| Botanical Name | Impatiens Spp |
| Common Names | Touch-me-not, busy lizzy |
| Origin | North America |
| Family | Balsaminaceae |
| Plant Type | Perennial flowering plant(can be grown as an annual plant) |
| Full Size | From 6 inches to 36 inches tall, from 1 foot to 3 feet wide |
| Sun Exposure | Ranges from part to full shade |
| Soil Type | Well-draining, rich soil that is a little acidic |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to people and pets |
Impatiens Varieties
Impatiens is a large genus with the total number of varieties reaching 1000, this includes standard impatiens plants and hybrid cultivars. Some of the popular varieties are;
- Impatiens ‘beacon’ Valleriana
- Impatiens ‘bounce’ series
- Impatiens ’Imara XDR’ Valleriana
- Impatiens “sunpatiens’ series
How To Care For Impatiens flowers
The impatiens plant is a low-maintenance plant and meeting its basic requirements such as lighting, proper watering, adequate soil type, and temperature should be enough to ensure it flourishes.
Impatiens Light Requirement
The impatiens plant is a shade plant that does well when grown in areas of full shade as they can produce gorgeous blooms with little sunlight.
However, with a proper watering schedule, you can also enjoy growing impatiens in areas with bright but indirect sunlight.
Intense, direct sunlight on the impatiens plant can cause more harm than good as it can scorch the plant’s delicate leaves and cause them to wilt.
When growing impatiens outdoors or in a garden, you should pick an area of full or at least partial shade. The impatiens plant does not grow tall so you won’t have to worry about prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
Impatiens Watering Requirement
Adequate water is needed for the Impatiens plant to flourish. Start watering after planting with at least 2 inches of dechlorinated, room temperature water once a week.
You should increase the amount of water used to 4 inches of water every week during hot spells or heat seasons.
The idea behind watering your impatiens is, that the hotter the period, the more water the exotic plant would need. On some very hot days, watering Impatiens every day would be required.
Impatiens Soil Requirement
Although they are water-loving plants, try as much as possible to avoid soggy soil, as excessive exposure to soggy soil could lead to root rot.
Aim for soil with good water-draining abilities, when creating a healthy soil mix for the Impatiens spp.
A healthy soil mix would include proper potting soil, one part peat moss, some organic compost to provide nutrients, and a little mulch.
The soil pH level should be a little acidic, so a range between 6.0 to 6.5 should be perfect for Impatiens plants.
Impatiens Humidity and Temperature Requirements
Impatiens prefer a warm temperature with moderate humidity to thrive as they are sensitive in areas of excess heat or excess cold.
When growing Impatiens indoors, you should aim for a temperature level that ranges between 60 degrees Fahrenheit to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Impatiens Fertilizer Requirement
The impatiens flower needs regular fertilizer application for proper growth, so apply fertilizer once every 2 weeks during its growing season.
When fertilizing, use a water-soluble fertilizer with half its initial strength or use a slow-release fertilizer. Either way, it should be used in moderation.
Impatiens Propagation Requirement
Propagating the Impatiens flower can be done in two ways;
- Seed Propagation
- Stem Cuttings.
Propagating the Impatiens flower through stem cuttings is a lot easier than through seeds.
Impatiens Pruning Requirement
Pruning Impatiens is needed to ensure the plant thrives and encourages the growth of new flowers. For this reason, it is recommended you prune the plant once a month. Always sterilize your pruning tools before pruning to avoid infections.
Common Health Problems of Impatiens flowers
- Fungi blights
- Root rots
- Aphids
- Scales
- Mealy bugs
- Whiteflies
- Spider mites
- Wilting leaves
Frequently Asked Questions
No, full or direct sunlight is harmful to the Impatiens plant as it could scorch the plant’s leaves.
No, you do not need to deadhead an Impatiens plant as they bloom well on their own.
Impatiens are gorgeous plants that are known for their colorful blooms which can range from blue to red to purple.
When growing Impatiens plants in groups give a spacing of 10 inches to 12 inches apart.
Impatiens are known annuals, however, they are grown as annuals in areas of shade.
