The Versatile Impatiens

By: Pamela Nobles

9/25/08

With the change of the seasons, one of the most tropical hybrids that are low maintenance with nonstop blooming from spring until the first frost, is the Impatiens group. These luscious plants come in more than 15 different colors-from shimmering whites and pale pinks to vivid purples and bright oranges. They are by far America’s best-selling bedding plants. There are so many hybrids and varieties with double blossoms that it is hard to believe that I have not mentioned them previously in my writings. So, let me share with you some fascinating thoughts about these awesome plants. To beginner gardeners, planting impatiens can be a great confidence builder as they are inexpensive transplants which when set out in spring and summer can grow to be knee-high mounds of showy flowers in a virtual rainbow of colors. They require little care and make excellent container plants. Placed in pots, they can brighten an entrance, deck, or patio. Any impatiens becomes brilliant waves of color in window boxes, and hanging baskets as they cascade over the edges. Because they are quite showy plants, why not select the white blossoms to plant by themselves as they will enhance those high-traffic areas where they may be enjoyed during the day and then at night, their flowers will glow like little stars. Impatiens are known as shade lovers, even so, traditional impatiens can take some sun when given enough water. Their stems are liquid-filled vessels, and these plants wilt when low on water, making it easy to tell when they need a drink. The best way to keep these plants happy and stress free is to maintain evenly moist soil at all times. Many times, I have pinched the stems back 5 to 6 inches to find in no time they have doubled in size. Another demonstration of their virility is when I’ve pinched them, I have accidentally dropped some clippings in nearby flowerbeds by accident and found them growing profusely. Surprisingly have even found them in the cracks of my front porch. New Guinea Hybrids will tolerate bright light, and unlike the traditional kind, they are grown more for their colorful dark variegated foliage, bigger cheerful blooms and the ability to tolerate more sun. Large lance-shaped leaves may be bronze, purple, or green and splashed with cream, white, yellow, or red. Helpful Tip – Shade or partial shade, moist soil, mulching, feeding every two weeks with a 20-20-20 fertilizer.

Til next time, blessings be multiplied to you, Pamela.