Everything You Need to Know About Growing Impatiens

My mom has always had an extensive container garden. A huge collection of porch planters, hanging baskets, pots and troughs, all filled to the brim with annuals and scattered around the yard and patio. And every year, a whole new selection of geraniums, salvia, petunias, coleus, sweet potato vine and other flowers would fill all those containers. Different plant combinations, different color schemes-every summer, a fresh palette of plants.

Then there was the barrel.

On the east side of the house, against a fence and under a very old apple tree, sat a moss-covered wine barrel planter. The barrel was in perpetual shade for the entire day. As such, it only ever held impatiens. Every summer, a new batch of pink, coral or fuschia appeared. But always impatiens and impatiens alone.

I realize now that that barrel only ever held impatiens because those are truly the only things to ever survive the damp, deep shade of that corner. Flowering profusely even in the deepest shade, impatiens are an incredibly popular and resilient bedding annual. Read on and learn how to care for these popular shade-loving plants.

What Are Impatiens?

Impatiens are a huge family of plants spread across Africa, Asia and parts of Europe. There is even a North American species, Impatiens capensis (jewelweed) that grows freely in shady ditches throughout the Northeast and Midwest.

However, most of what gardeners plant in ornamental settings are New Guinea and old-fashioned garden impatiens. Originating from moist, tropical understories, impatiens are not tolerant of cold or frost. They are hardy only in winter-free zones 10 and 11; everywhere else, impatiens are grown as annuals.

Types of Impatiens

Garden (Impatiens walleriana): Hands down the most popular and most readily available at most retail garden centers across North America, garden impatiens are tidy little plants with oval-shaped button leaves and five-petaled flowers. These impatiens have long been popular for their relentless blooms, in shades of white, pink, peach, red, purple and even bicolor patterns.

There are dozens of different cultivars and mixes to try. ‘Xtreme Tango Mix' is a vibrant blend of coral, violet, and red flowers. The ‘Athena' features unique, ruffled semi-double blooms.

New Guinea (Impatiens hawkeri): New Guinea impatiens have slightly more elongated leaves than garden impatiens. Foliage is serrated along the edge and often has deep purple or red veining, making the leaves pop in shady settings. Plants are often slightly taller and more open than garden impatiens.

The ‘Sunstanding' series is quite tolerant of bright sun and available in a range of shades including salmon, hot pink and scarlet red. The Harmony® Colorfall series of New Guinea impatiens boast large flowers and a semi-trailing habit, making them perfect for hanging baskets and windowboxes.

Where to Plant Impatiens

Choosing the right conditions for your impatiens will help you get the most from these generally resilient little flowers.

Light

Impatiens are happiest in full to partial shade; too much direct sun can scorch their foliage. Because of their affinity for dappled shade, impatiens work well on covered porches and tucked under tree canopies. Some newer varieties of New Guinea impatiens tolerate sun much better than old-fashioned garden impatiens.

Soil

Plant impatiens in rich, well-drained soil full of organic matter. Impatiens need consistent moisture but don't thrive in compacted, waterlogged conditions. Use a high quality potting mix for container plants. For bedding plants, consider amending the bed with shredded bark or leaf mulch to keep the soil loose.

How to Plant Impatiens

Impatiens are widely available at nurseries, garden centers, and big box home stores each spring. Most gardeners, especially those with short growing seasons, prefer to purchase transplants.

Impatiens can also be started from seed under grow lights. Start seeds indoors 6-10 weeks before the last frost date. Sow seeds just under the soil surface and keep the soil warm, at least 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit, for the best germination rate. Impatiens seeds are incredibly tiny, so bottom-water seeds to avoid washing them away.

Despite the name, impatiens require patience! Seeds can take 14-21 days to germinate. Once the threat of frost has passed and temperatures are reliably around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, seedlings can be moved outdoors.

Caring for Impatiens

Impatients are higher-maintenance than your average flower, with consistent watering and feeding requirements.

Watering

Water impatiens regularly; these are not drought-tolerant plants by any means. Plants in hot, windy environments will need to be watered daily, even those sited in the shade. Make sure pots and planters have drainage holes on the bottom.

Fertilizing

Impatiens need plenty of organic matter, and regular fertilizing will keep them looking full and lush. For container-grown impatiens, apply a diluted, liquid fertilizer every two to three weeks. For in-ground bedding plants, apply a slow-release, granular fertilizer at the time of planting and again about halfway through the summer.

Choose a balanced formula that doesn't have a high amount of nitrogen; too much nitrogen can lead to an excess of foliage with few flowers.

Pruning

Impatiens keep their tidy shape without a ton of pruning. Trim plants back by one third if you do notice them looking leggy and sparse towards the end of summer. Deadheading isn't needed either: Most impatiens are considered "self-cleaning", meaning they naturally shed their old, faded flowers before sending out new buds.

Impatiens FAQs

Why Are My Impatiens Dropping Leaves?

Unfortunately, impatiens are extremely susceptible to downy mildew. This disease begins as yellow splotches on the leaf surface, progressing to a white dust on the underside. Eventually, all the foliage will drop, leaving bare, weakened stems.

Downy mildew is most prevalent in hot, humid conditions, when the air is stagnant and there is little circulation between plants. Your best bet is to remove and toss the entire plant. Consider replacing it with a New Guinea impatiens, which is downy mildew-resistant.

Can I Grow Impatiens From Cuttings?

Yes! Choose a healthy, mature plant and cut a stem roughly six inches long. Remove the lower set or two of leaves, then set the cutting in a glass of water. Place the glass in a warm, bright area and change the water every few days. Once a healthy clump of roots has formed, the cutting can be potted up in fresh potting soil and cared for like any other mature impatiens.

What Can I Plant With My Impatiens?

Choose other shade-loving annuals like coleus, fuschia and torenia for brilliant planter pairings with impatiens. Impatiens can also be used as a colorful underplanting under larger shrubs and trees. Their mounded, clumping shape makes them ideal for tight spaces and along walkways.

Related: Plant These Now: 10 Full-Sun Annuals That Bloom Fast

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This story was originally published May 28, 2026 at 4:15 AM.