Impatiens, also known as Busy Lizzies, are a gardener's dream come true. These vibrant, versatile, and vivacious flowers are the life of any garden party. They're like the guests who arrive fashionably late and yet steal the show with their radiant colors and charming demeanor. But how do you grow and care for these floral divas? Let's dive in and find out!
The Basics of Impatiens
Before we delve into the nitty-gritty of Impatiens care, let's get to know our star a little better. Impatiens are annual flowering plants that are native to the Northern Hemisphere. They are known for their vibrant colors, which range from pink and red to purple and white. They are also known for their resilience and ability to bloom in both sun and shade.
Impatiens are not just pretty faces. They are also hard workers, blooming from early summer until the first frost. This makes them a great choice for gardeners who want to add a splash of color to their garden for an extended period. Now that we have established that Impatiens are both beautiful and hardworking, let's move on to how to grow and care for them.
Growing Impatiens
Choosing the Right Location
Impatiens are like the Goldilocks of the plant world. They don't like it too hot, and they don't like it too cold. They prefer a location that is just right. This means a spot that gets partial sun and partial shade. Too much sun can cause the leaves to yellow, while too much shade can result in fewer flowers.
Impatiens also prefer well-drained soil. They don't like to have their roots sitting in water, so make sure the soil drains well. If you are planting them in pots, make sure the pots have drainage holes.
Planting Impatiens
Impatiens can be grown from seeds or cuttings. If you are growing them from seeds, start them indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last expected frost. If you are growing them from cuttings, take the cuttings in late summer and root them in a mixture of perlite and peat moss.
When planting Impatiens, space them about 12 inches apart. This gives them room to spread out and grow. After planting, water them well and continue to water them regularly, especially during dry periods.
Caring for Impatiens
Watering and Fertilizing
Impatiens love water, but they don't like to be waterlogged. Water them regularly, but make sure the soil drains well. They also appreciate a good feeding. Fertilize them every two weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer to keep them blooming all season long.
Impatiens are not heavy feeders, so a light hand with the fertilizer is best. Too much fertilizer can result in lots of leaves but few flowers. And let's be honest, we're here for the flowers, not the foliage.
Pruning and Deadheading
Impatiens are pretty low maintenance, but they do appreciate a little grooming now and then. Prune them back in midsummer to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Deadhead spent flowers to keep the plant looking tidy and to encourage more blooms.
But don't be too hasty with the pruning shears. Impatiens are self-cleaning, which means they drop their spent flowers on their own. So, unless you enjoy playing barber to your plants, you can skip the deadheading.
Dealing with Pests and Diseases
Impatiens are generally healthy plants, but they can be affected by pests and diseases. Common pests include aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. These can be controlled with insecticidal soap or a strong blast of water from the hose.
Impatiens can also be affected by diseases such as powdery mildew and downy mildew. These can be prevented by providing good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering. If your Impatiens do get sick, remove and dispose of the affected plants to prevent the disease from spreading.
FAQs About Impatiens
Why are my Impatiens not blooming?
There could be several reasons why your Impatiens are not blooming. They could be getting too much sun or too much shade. They could also be lacking nutrients. Try moving them to a different location and fertilizing them with a bloom-boosting fertilizer.
Can Impatiens be grown indoors?
Yes, Impatiens can be grown indoors. They make great houseplants and can add a splash of color to any room. Just make sure they get enough light and are not overwatered.
Are Impatiens deer resistant?
Unfortunately, no. Impatiens are not deer resistant. If you have a problem with deer in your garden, you might want to consider other plants.
Conclusion
Impatiens are a joy to grow and care for. Their vibrant colors and long blooming season make them a favorite among gardeners. With the right care, they can provide a splash of color to your garden from early summer until the first frost. So why not give them a try? You might just find that they are the perfect guests for your garden party.
