Impatiens is designed to act as a ground cover. The bushy appearance, the evergreen foliage, the low height of an average of 30 cm. Unfortunately, this plant is extremely sensitive to frost, which is why it is preferably kept in a pot.
Where should Impatiens be planted as a ground cover?
Impatiens is suitable as a ground cover, but is sensitive to frost. In the garden it prefers semi-shady locations, e.g. edges of trees, and is suitable for borders. In pots, it grows well in planters, pots and balcony boxes in semi-shady conditions.
Plant outdoors or in a pot
This species of balsam does not last long in the wild. It dies at the first frost at the latest. If you still want to plant them outdoors, you should choose a partially shaded location, for example a place on the edge of the tree. The plant is well suited for borders in the garden.
When grown in pots in the apartment or on the balcony, Impatiens walleriana feels particularly at home in plant bowls, pots and balcony boxes in a partially shaded place. The plant can be planted from May. The planter should be at least 15 cm in diameter.
In addition to purchasing an early young plant directly, sowing seeds yourself is usually successful. The seeds are sown in spring. The soil - a conventional potting soil (€10.00 on Amazon) is sufficient - should have the following properties:
- easy
- permeable
- nutrient-rich
- good to keep moist
Overwintering if you care about the plant
Impatiens are wintered at home at 10 to 15 °C (maximum 20 °C). A bright place is required for this. In the field or outside on the balcony, this jewelweed does not survive when temperatures fall below 0 °C.
The plant can move out again around mid-May. During the winter you should either not fertilize at all or fertilize sparingly every 4 weeks. Don't forget to water! Regular checks for pests such as spider mites and aphids are also recommended. The risk of an infestation exists especially when the air in the room is dry (not uncommon in winter).
Cut and repot after overwintering
In order to preserve the bushy appearance, it is advisable to prune in spring after overwintering. The plant should then be repotted - if another pot culture is planned. After repotting into new soil, impatiens do not need to be fertilized.
Tip
Since the flowering decreases after a few years, you should always re-sow the plant or take cuttings.
