Impatiens are the go-to annual for shade. They bloom nonstop in deep shade where petunias and marigolds refuse. Modern Beacon and Imara series resist the downy mildew that crashed older varieties.
Sun: Part to full shade. Water: High. Zones: Annual. Height: 8–24 in. Bloom time: Late spring to frost.
Plant after last frost in rich, moist soil. Keep consistently watered — wilting stresses them fast. Feed monthly with a balanced fertilizer. Choose downy mildew-resistant varieties for beds where impatiens have struggled in recent years.
常见问题
01 Why did my impatiens suddenly die?
Likely downy mildew — a disease that spread widely through the early 2010s. Plant resistant cultivars like Beacon, Imara XDR, or switch to New Guinea impatiens which are immune.
02 Can impatiens grow in full sun?
Regular impatiens (I. walleriana) burn in full sun. New Guinea impatiens tolerate more sun — morning sun with afternoon shade is safe for them. In hot climates (zone 8+), impatiens of any type struggle in direct afternoon sun.
03 How often do impatiens need water?
Consistently moist — every 1–2 days in beds, daily in containers during summer heat. Wilting stresses them fast and invites disease. Water at soil level to avoid spreading fungal problems on the leaves.