Impatiens (Impatiens walleriana and Impatiens x New Guinea Hybrids) grow best in shade or partial shade, producing attractive green or bronze-edged foliage. An abundance of flowers, which range from white and pink to deep shades of red, orange or striking salmon, adorn these plants from spring until fall. When grown in humus-rich well-drained soil, impatiens create a mound of foliage, making them ideal as bedding plants or to line borders and walkways. These annuals thrive in all areas of the United States as long as temperatures remain above freezing, as they are killed quickly by a light frost.
Plant dwarf impatiens, such as those in the "Elfin" and "Elfin Improved" series, in prepared soil spaced 12 inches apart. These tiny plants reach a height of 8 to 10 inches at maturity with a spread of 10 to 12 inches.
Space semidwarf impatiens. such as "Duet," "Rosette," "Ripple" and "Twinkle," slightly farther apart allowing 14 inches between plants. Semidwarf impatiens reach a mature height of 10 to 12 inches and typically spread to 12 to 14 inches.
Transplant seedlings of tall impatiens, such as "Grande," "Blitz" and "Treasure," to stand 18 inches apart. Tall impatiens grow to heights of 12 to 14 inches at maturity and may spread to 16 to 18 inches.
Space "African Queen" (Impatiens x New Guinea Hybrids) and other impatiens that reach heights of more than 18 inches to a distance of 24 inches apart, as these large plants may spread to nearly equal their height.
- Impatiens grown in the shade tend to become leggy and produce fewer flowers. For best results, plant impatiens in a location where they receive two to four hours of sunlight a day, preferably morning sun.
- New Guinea impatiens (Impatiens x New Guinea Hybrids) tolerate more light than Impatiens walleriana but require the same basic care.
- Water impatiens once or twice a week to keep the soil moist, but not soggy.
- Avoid planting impatiens in full sun, as they sun-scald easily.
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