Impatiens are versatile flowering plants prized for their colorful blooms, long flowering season, and ability to brighten shady areas where many other annuals struggle.
In this guide, you’ll discover the differences between common impatiens varieties, including garden impatiens (Impatiens walleriana), New Guinea impatiens, double impatiens, garden balsam (Impatiens balsamina), SunPatiens®, and several less-common species. You’ll also learn which types perform best in shade, sun, containers, flower beds, and different climates.
Flower Lovers Want to Know
Are any impatiens varieties perennial?
Yes. While most commonly grown bedding impatiens are treated as annuals in temperate climates because they cannot survive frost, some impatiens species are naturally perennial. Garden impatiens, New Guinea impatiens, and SunPatiens® are tender perennials that can survive for more than one year in suitable frost-free climates but are usually grown as annuals in colder regions. Other species, including Impatiens arguta, are naturally perennial in suitable climates. Whether an impatiens behaves as an annual or perennial therefore depends on the species, local climate, and winter temperatures.
Can I plant impatiens in my container garden?
Yes. Impatiens grow very well in containers, window boxes, and hanging baskets when provided with adequate moisture and good drainage. Traditional garden impatiens and double impatiens are excellent choices for partially shaded containers, while New Guinea impatiens and SunPatiens® tolerate more sunlight. Because containers dry out faster than garden soil, check them frequently during hot weather and water when the upper layer of potting mix begins to dry.
Should I deadhead my impatiens?
Most impatiens are self-cleaning and do not require regular deadheading. Spent flowers generally fall away naturally, allowing the plants to continue blooming throughout the growing season. You can remove faded flowers or pinch back leggy growth to improve the plant’s appearance, but routine deadheading isn’t necessary.
Are impatiens low maintenance?
Yes. Most impatiens are relatively low-maintenance when planted in suitable conditions. Traditional garden impatiens perform best in partial shade with consistently moist, well-drained soil, while New Guinea impatiens and SunPatiens tolerate more sunlight. Regular watering is especially important because impatiens can wilt quickly when the soil becomes too dry.
Do impatiens prefer sun or shade?
It depends on the variety. Traditional garden impatiens (Impatiens walleriana) generally prefer partial shade to shade, while New Guinea impatiens tolerate more sunlight. SunPatiens® are the most sun-tolerant of the commonly grown types and can grow from partial shade to full sun when provided with adequate moisture. In hot climates, even sun-tolerant varieties may benefit from some protection from intense afternoon heat.
Impatiens Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
| Botanical genus | Impatiens |
| Plant type | Annuals and perennials, depending on species and climate |
| Common garden type | Impatiens walleriana |
| Light | Shade to full sun, depending on variety |
| Bloom season | Late spring until frost |
| Flower colors | White, pink, red, orange, purple, coral and bicolors |
| Soil | Moist, fertile, well-drained |
| Water | Moderate to high |
| Container suitable | Yes |
| Deadheading | Usually unnecessary |
| Propagation | Seeds or stem cuttings |
| Major disease concern | Impatiens downy mildew |
The Exciting World of Impatiens Varieties
The Impatiens genus includes a diverse group of flowering plants, ranging from familiar bedding varieties to less-common perennial species. Garden impatiens (Impatiens walleriana) are especially popular for shady beds and borders, while New Guinea impatiens offer larger flowers, attractive foliage, and greater tolerance for sunlight. Double impatiens are prized for their full, rose-like blooms, and garden balsam (Impatiens balsamina) brings an upright, old-fashioned appearance to cottage gardens and mixed plantings.
Choosing the right type of impatiens depends largely on your garden conditions and how you plan to use the plants. Varieties differ in mature size, flower form, sun tolerance, moisture requirements, and resistance to diseases such as impatiens downy mildew. Some perform best in shady garden beds, while others are better suited to sunny locations or containers. Understanding these differences makes it easier to select impatiens that will remain healthy and produce abundant flowers throughout the growing season.
Popular Impatiens Varieties
| Type | Light | Typical Height | Notable Feature | Best Use |
| Garden impatiens (I. walleriana) | Part shade–shade | 6–24 in. | Prolific flowers | Shady beds |
| New Guinea impatiens | Part shade–part sun | 12–24 in. | Large flowers and colorful foliage | Containers and beds |
| Double impatiens | Part shade | 10–20 in. | Rose-like double flowers | Containers and borders |
| SunPatiens® | Part shade–full sun | 16–36+ in. | Heat and sun tolerance | Sunny beds and containers |
| Garden balsam (I. balsamina) | Part sun–sun | 12–30 in. | Upright stems and old-fashioned flowers | Cottage gardens |
Garden Impatiens (I. walleriana)
Garden impatiens (Impatiens walleriana) are among the most familiar bedding impatiens, valued for their abundant flowers and ability to provide continuous color in shady areas. Depending on the cultivar, flowers may be white, pink, red, coral, purple, or bicolored, with both single and double forms available.
These impatiens perform best in partial shade to shade, although gentle morning sunlight can encourage flowering. Protection from intense afternoon sun is especially important in hot climates, where excessive heat and direct sunlight can cause wilting and leaf scorch.
Garden impatiens prefer fertile, well-drained soil that remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Their compact, spreading growth makes them particularly useful for shaded flower beds, borders, containers, window boxes, and mass plantings.
One important consideration is susceptibility to impatiens downy mildew. Traditional I. walleriana cultivars can be highly susceptible to the disease, although newer resistant varieties are now available. Gardeners who have experienced downy mildew in the past should consider resistant cultivars or alternatives such as New Guinea impatiens and SunPatiens®.
New Guinea Impatiens
New Guinea impatiens, commonly associated with Impatiens hawkeri and its hybrids, are prized for their large, colorful flowers and attractive foliage. Their blooms are generally larger than those of traditional garden impatiens (Impatiens walleriana) and come in shades of pink, red, orange, purple, white, and various bicolors. The foliage can be equally decorative, with leaves ranging from deep green to bronze and variegated forms.
One of the biggest advantages of New Guinea impatiens is their ability to tolerate more sunlight than traditional garden impatiens. They generally perform well in partial shade to partial sun, although protection from intense afternoon sunlight can be beneficial in hot climates. Too much shade may reduce flowering, while excessive heat and direct sun can cause wilting or leaf scorch.
New Guinea impatiens prefer fertile, well-drained soil that remains consistently moist but never waterlogged. Plants grown in containers may need more frequent watering during hot weather because their potting mix dries more quickly.
Their larger flowers, colorful foliage, and compact growth make New Guinea impatiens especially attractive in containers, window boxes, mixed planters, borders, and flower beds. With adequate moisture and suitable light, they can provide continuous color from late spring until frost.
Double Impatiens
Double impatiens are prized for their full, layered flowers, which resemble miniature roses or camellias and give them a more formal appearance than single-flowered impatiens. Rather than representing a separate species, the term “double impatiens” generally refers to cultivars bred to produce flowers with multiple layers of petals. Many popular double varieties are forms of Impatiens walleriana.
Like traditional garden impatiens, double impatiens perform best in partial shade, where they receive bright light or gentle morning sun while being protected from intense afternoon sunlight. They prefer fertile, well-drained soil that remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Plants grown in containers may require frequent watering during warm weather.
Their compact growth and rose-like flowers make double impatiens especially attractive in containers, window boxes, hanging baskets, shaded borders, and areas near patios or walkways where their detailed blooms can be appreciated up close. They flower continuously throughout the growing season and generally do not require regular deadheading.
Because many double impatiens are derived from I. walleriana, susceptibility to impatiens downy mildew can vary by cultivar. In areas where the disease has been a recurring problem, choosing varieties specifically bred for resistance is particularly important.
SunPatiens®
SunPatiens® are vigorous impatiens hybrids bred to tolerate considerably more sun and heat than traditional garden impatiens (Impatiens walleriana). Depending on the climate and growing conditions, they can perform from partial shade to full sun, making them particularly useful for sunny flower beds, borders, mass plantings, and containers.
These hybrids are known for their vigorous growth and abundant flowers, which can provide continuous color from late spring until frost. Although they tolerate sunny conditions well, SunPatiens still need consistent moisture, especially during hot weather and when grown in containers. Plants exposed to full sun may require more frequent watering than those growing in partial shade.
SunPatiens are also valued for their resistance to impatiens downy mildew, the disease that can severely affect traditional I. walleriana. This makes them a useful alternative in gardens where downy mildew has previously been a problem. However, disease resistance does not make the plants immune to all problems. Poor drainage, excessive moisture, or other stressful growing conditions can still contribute to root and stem diseases.
With their combination of sun tolerance, vigorous growth, colorful flowers, and resistance to impatiens downy mildew, SunPatiens are a versatile choice for gardeners who want the appearance of impatiens in locations that may be too sunny for traditional bedding varieties.
Garden Balsam (I. balsamina)
Impatiens balsamina, commonly known as garden balsam or touch-me-not, is an old-fashioned annual with an upright growth habit that distinguishes it from the low, spreading form of many traditional bedding impatiens. Its colorful flowers are produced along the fleshy stems and may be single, semi-double, or double, depending on the variety. Blooms appear in shades of pink, red, purple, white, and salmon, giving the plant a distinctive cottage-garden appearance.
Garden balsam generally tolerates more sunlight than Impatiens walleriana and performs well in partial sun to full sun where summers are not excessively hot. In warmer climates, some afternoon shade can help protect plants from heat stress. It grows best in fertile, well-drained soil with consistent moisture.
One of the plant’s most interesting characteristics appears after flowering. Its elongated seed capsules burst open when mature and touched, scattering seeds into the surrounding soil—a trait responsible for the common name “touch-me-not.” Garden balsam can readily self-seed where growing conditions are favorable, so new plants may appear the following season.
With its upright form, colorful flowers, and traditional appearance, Impatiens balsamina works especially well in cottage gardens, mixed borders, informal flower beds, and pollinator-friendly plantings.
Other Interesting Impatiens Varieties
Beyond the familiar garden impatiens, New Guinea impatiens, SunPatiens®, and garden balsam, the Impatiens genus contains hundreds of species with a remarkable range of flower forms, growth habits, and growing requirements. Some are cultivated as ornamentals, while others are primarily found in their native habitats or specialty plant collections.
Impatiens arguta
Impatiens arguta is a perennial species native to parts of the Himalayas and surrounding regions. It is known for its violet to blue-purple flowers, which are especially striking because true blue and purple tones are less common among familiar bedding impatiens. The plant develops a spreading, somewhat relaxed growth habit and generally performs best in partial shade with moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil.
Unlike common bedding impatiens, I. arguta may return year after year in climates where winters are suitable. It works particularly well in woodland-style gardens, shaded borders, and naturalistic plantings where its looser form can blend with ferns and other shade-loving perennials. Consistent moisture is important, especially during warm weather.
Impatiens niamniamensis
Impatiens niamniamensis, commonly called Congo cockatoo or parrot impatiens, is a tropical perennial prized for its unusual curved flowers, which often combine vivid shades of red, yellow, and green. The distinctive flower shape gives the plant a much more exotic appearance than common bedding impatiens and makes it especially appealing to collectors.
It prefers warm temperatures, bright filtered light or partial shade, and consistently moist but well-drained soil. Because it is highly sensitive to cold, gardeners in temperate climates usually grow it as a container plant or houseplant and move it indoors before temperatures drop. With adequate warmth, humidity, and light, it can continue producing flowers over a long period and makes an eye-catching specimen plant.
Impatiens capensis
Impatiens capensis, commonly known as orange jewelweed or spotted jewelweed, is a North American annual frequently found in moist woodlands, stream banks, and other partially shaded habitats. Its pendulous orange flowers are usually marked with reddish spots and have a curved nectar spur that attracts hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators.
The plant can grow taller and more loosely than typical bedding impatiens, making it better suited to naturalized gardens, woodland edges, rain gardens, and wildlife-friendly plantings than formal flower beds. It prefers consistently moist soil and can tolerate areas that remain wetter than many ornamental annuals. Its ripe seed capsules burst when touched, scattering seeds and allowing the plant to self-seed readily where conditions are favorable.
Impatiens pallida
Impatiens pallida, commonly called yellow jewelweed or pale touch-me-not, is a North American annual closely related to Impatiens capensis. It produces pale yellow flowers and typically grows in moist, partially shaded woodlands, ravines, and along stream banks. Plants may become considerably taller than common garden impatiens, giving them a more naturalistic appearance.
Yellow jewelweed is particularly useful in native and woodland gardens where moist soil and filtered light are available. Its flowers provide nectar for pollinators, and like other jewelweeds, its mature seed capsules burst open when disturbed, dispersing seeds into the surrounding area. Because it can self-seed freely, it is best suited to informal settings where some natural spreading is acceptable.
Are Impatiens Annuals or Perennials?
Impatiens can be either annuals or perennials, depending on the species and climate. Most of the impatiens commonly sold as bedding plants are grown as annuals in temperate regions because they are sensitive to frost. They grow, flower continuously through the warm season, and die when freezing temperatures arrive.
Garden impatiens (Impatiens walleriana), New Guinea impatiens, and SunPatiens® are technically tender perennials and can survive for more than one year in warm, frost-free climates. In colder regions, however, gardeners typically treat them as annuals and replace them each spring.
Other members of the Impatiens genus have different life cycles. Garden balsam (Impatiens balsamina) and the North American jewelweeds Impatiens capensis and Impatiens pallida are true annuals that complete their life cycle in a single growing season. Some species, such as Impatiens arguta, are naturally perennial and can return year after year where winter conditions are suitable.
For most home gardeners, the simplest rule is to check the specific species or cultivar and its cold tolerance rather than assuming all impatiens are annuals. If you live in an area with freezing winters, the familiar impatiens sold for containers and flower beds should generally be expected to grow for one season.
Which Impatiens Variety Should You Choose?
The best variety depends primarily on the amount of sunlight your garden receives and how you plan to use the plants.
- Shady beds and borders: Choose traditional garden impatiens (Impatiens walleriana).
- Larger flowers and colorful foliage: Consider New Guinea impatiens.
- Sunny beds and containers: SunPatiens® provide greater sun and heat tolerance.
- Rose-like flowers: Double impatiens are especially attractive in containers, hanging baskets, and borders.
- Cottage gardens: Garden balsam (Impatiens balsamina) provides taller growth and an old-fashioned appearance.
Caring for Your Impatiens
Impatiens are relatively easy to grow when their basic light, moisture, and soil requirements are met. However, growing conditions vary somewhat among traditional garden impatiens, New Guinea impatiens, and SunPatiens®, so choosing the right location for the variety you are growing is important.
Light Requirements
Light requirements vary considerably among impatiens varieties. Traditional garden impatiens (Impatiens walleriana) perform best in partial shade to shade and benefit from protection from intense afternoon sunlight. A location with gentle morning sun and afternoon shade is often ideal.
New Guinea impatiens tolerate more sunlight and generally grow well in partial shade to partial sun. SunPatiens are the most sun-tolerant of the commonly grown types and can perform from partial shade to full sun, although plants growing in sunny locations require adequate moisture during hot weather.
Too little light can result in leggy growth and fewer flowers, while excessive direct sun may cause wilting or leaf scorch in less sun-tolerant varieties.
Watering
Impatiens grow best when their soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when the upper layer of soil begins to feel dry, applying enough water to moisten the root zone thoroughly.
Plants growing in containers typically require more frequent watering than those planted in the ground, especially during hot or windy weather. Impatiens may wilt noticeably when they become too dry, but constantly saturated soil can deprive the roots of oxygen and encourage root and stem diseases.
Watering near the base of the plant rather than routinely wetting the foliage can also help reduce conditions favorable to some diseases.
Soil Requirements
Impatiens prefer fertile, moisture-retentive soil that also drains well. Soil enriched with compost or other organic matter can help retain moisture while improving soil structure.
For containers, use a good-quality potting mix rather than garden soil. Containers should always have drainage holes so excess water can escape.
A slightly acidic to neutral soil is suitable for most impatiens, with a pH of approximately 6.0 to 7.0 generally providing good growing conditions.
Fertilizing Impatiens
Impatiens benefit from regular but moderate feeding throughout the growing season. Garden plants growing in fertile soil can be fed with a balanced or flowering-plant fertilizer according to the product directions. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can encourage lush foliage at the expense of flowers.
Container-grown impatiens may need more frequent feeding because nutrients are gradually washed from the potting mix through regular watering. A diluted water-soluble fertilizer applied periodically during active growth can help maintain flowering. Always follow the fertilizer label rather than assuming that more fertilizer will produce more blooms.
Temperature and Frost
Impatiens are warm-season plants and are sensitive to frost. Common bedding types are generally planted outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and nighttime temperatures have become reliably mild.
Although some species of Impatiens are perennial, familiar garden impatiens, New Guinea impatiens, and SunPatiens are usually grown as annuals in climates with freezing winters. In frost-free climates, some types can survive and continue growing as perennials.
Extremely hot weather can also stress impatiens, particularly traditional I. walleriana. Providing afternoon shade and consistent moisture can help plants cope with periods of high heat.
Spacing Impatiens
Proper spacing improves air circulation and gives plants enough room to reach their mature size. Traditional garden impatiens are commonly spaced about 8–12 inches apart, depending on the cultivar and how quickly you want the plants to fill an area.
New Guinea impatiens generally need about 12–18 inches, while vigorous SunPatiens may require considerably more room depending on the series and cultivar.
Because mature sizes vary substantially among modern hybrids, always check the plant label for the recommended spacing of the specific cultivar you are growing. Avoid overcrowding, as dense growth can reduce air circulation and create conditions favorable to disease.
Deadheading and Pruning
Most modern impatiens are self-cleaning, meaning their spent flowers naturally fall away as new blooms develop. Regular deadheading is therefore unnecessary, although faded flowers can be removed whenever you want to tidy the plant’s appearance.
Impatiens also require very little pruning. If plants become tall, sparse, or leggy during the growing season, lightly pinching or trimming back the stems can encourage branching and produce a fuller, more compact plant.
Avoid severe pruning late in the growing season, when plants may not have enough time to produce substantial new growth before cooler temperatures arrive.
Impatiens Downy Mildew
One important consideration when growing garden impatiens (Impatiens walleriana) is impatiens downy mildew, a disease caused by the water mold Plasmopara obducens. Traditional I. walleriana varieties are particularly susceptible, and outbreaks can spread rapidly when conditions are cool, damp, and humid.
Early symptoms often include pale or yellowing leaves, followed by white, fuzzy growth on the undersides of the leaves. As the disease progresses, leaves and flowers may drop, leaving plants with bare stems. Infected plants should be removed rather than composted, since the pathogen can persist in garden soil and plant debris.
Fortunately, newer I. walleriana cultivars have been bred for improved resistance to downy mildew. Gardeners with a history of the disease can also consider New Guinea impatiens or SunPatiens®, which are not affected by impatiens downy mildew in the same way as traditional I. walleriana. Choosing resistant varieties, providing good air circulation, and avoiding prolonged wet foliage can help reduce disease problems.
Common Problems
| Problem | Likely Cause |
| Yellow leaves | Overwatering, poor drainage or nutrient problems |
| Wilting | Dry soil, heat stress or root problems |
| Leggy growth | Insufficient light or overcrowding |
| Few flowers | Too little light, excess nitrogen or stress |
| White growth/yellowing leaves | Possible downy mildew |
| Leaves with stippling/webbing | Spider mites |
| Distorted new growth | Aphids |
Growing Impatiens in Containers
Impatiens are well suited to container growing, making them an excellent choice for patios, balconies, window boxes, and other small spaces. Traditional garden impatiens (Impatiens walleriana) and double impatiens perform particularly well in partial shade, while New Guinea impatiens and SunPatiens® are better choices for locations receiving more sunlight.
For healthy container-grown impatiens:
- Container: Choose a pot with drainage holes and enough room for the plant’s mature size.
- Potting mix: Use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix rather than garden soil.
- Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Containers may require daily watering during hot or windy weather.
- Fertilizer: Apply a balanced water-soluble fertilizer according to label directions during active growth.
- Spacing: Avoid overcrowding plants, which can restrict airflow and encourage disease.
- Pruning: Regular deadheading is generally unnecessary, but leggy plants can be lightly trimmed to encourage fuller growth.
Creative Uses in Garden Design
Impatiens are particularly valuable for adding long-lasting color to areas where many sun-loving annuals struggle. Their different growth habits, flower forms, and light requirements make them useful in a wide range of garden designs.
- Shaded beds and borders: Traditional garden impatiens add continuous color along shaded walkways, beneath trees where moisture is adequate, and at the front of borders.
- Sunny borders: SunPatiens® can provide mass color in locations receiving too much direct sunlight for traditional garden impatiens.
- Containers and mixed planters: New Guinea impatiens provide large flowers and decorative foliage, while double impatiens offer rose-like blooms.
- Cottage gardens: Garden balsam adds height and an informal, old-fashioned appearance.
- Companion planting: Coleus, begonias, ferns, and hostas provide contrasting foliage, heights, and textures alongside shade-loving impatiens.
Final Thoughts on Growing Impatiens
Impatiens offer far more variety than the familiar bedding plants commonly associated with shady gardens. Traditional garden impatiens remain excellent choices for shaded beds and borders, while New Guinea impatiens and SunPatiens® expand the possibilities into locations receiving more sunlight. Double impatiens, garden balsam, and less-common species provide additional flower forms, growth habits, and landscape uses.
Whatever type you choose, matching the plant to the available light and providing consistently moist, well-drained soil are the keys to healthy growth and abundant flowers. In areas where impatiens downy mildew has been a recurring problem, selecting resistant cultivars or less-susceptible types can also help keep plantings healthy throughout the growing season.
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