Impatiens

Botanical Name

Impatiens wallerana

Hardiness

Zone 11, grown as annual elsewhere

Height

6 to 18 inches

Width

12 to 24 inches

Flowers

Summer till frost: red, white, pink, orange, purple, yellow, other

Light

Full to part shade

Soil

Moist, especially in sunny areas

Planting & Care

Space small plants 8 inches apart and larger plants 12 inches apart
Keep soil moist, but not soggy
Pinch back leggy plants for fuller growth
Can be overwintered indoors. Take 3 to 4” cuttings and root in moist vermiculite or a well-drained potting mix. I find setting the pot in a plastic bag left open increases the humidity to encourage rooting without leading to rot. Once rooted, they can be moved to their permanent container, placed in a sunny location and grow as a houseplant.
You can also bring the whole plant indoors and raise it like a houseplant. Grow in a bright, sunny window or under artificial lights and keep the soil moist. Don't be alarmed if the plant drops most of its leaves. It will soon send out new leaves more suited for its indoor location.

Problems