Impatiens fills shady beds with color where few other annuals will bother to bloom, flowering continuously from late spring until frost without ever needing to be deadheaded.
Also called "busy Lizzie," impatiens gets its name from the way its ripe seed pods burst open at the slightest touch, flinging seeds impatiently outward — a trait that also gives it a reputation for cheerfully self-seeding in the right spot.
Impatiens wants shade to partial shade and consistently moist, well-draining soil — it wilts quickly in dry spells but usually perks back up soon after watering. It's a top choice for filling in color under trees and along shaded walkways where sun-loving annuals struggle.
Downy mildew can affect impatiens in humid conditions, causing sudden collapse — good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering late in the day help reduce the risk.
