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| Impatiens |
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IMPATIENS Facts |
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COLORS |
White, pink, red, pastels, bicolors |
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LIGHT |
Partial shade |
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SOIL |
Rich, well drained |
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WATER |
Before soil becomes dry |
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pH |
6.2 to 6.8 |
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HARDINESS |
Cannot tolerate frost; a warm weather flower |
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TIP |
Use impatiens as companions to ferns and caladiums in shade. |
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IMPATIENS |
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If you want to add color to light shade, impatiens are a good choice. White or pastel impatiens bring light to dark corners and the brighter colored plants add excitement to shady decks or porches. Although impatiens will tolerate some sun, especially the deeply colored selections, plants growing in more sun will need extra water in summer.
Most impatiens grow into mounds about 12 to 18 inches tall and equally wide. A larger type, called New Guinea impatiens, are taller and more upright, and usually have variegated leaves which tolerate more sun. Planted in spring after danger of frost, impatiens will bloom continuously until the first frost of fall. |
Planted in spring after danger of frost, impatiens will bloom continuously until the first frost of fall. |
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FERTILIZING IMPATIENS |
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Impatiens grow best when they receive a constant supply of both water and nutrients. Growth is fast in warm weather--in fact so fast that impatiens can outgrow the size stated on their label by about one-third. It is essential that the soil contain plenty of organic matter to help it hold moisture because impatiens are fleshy and need lots of water. Cultivate the planting site at least 8 inches deep and mix in a 2-inch deep layer of flower planting mix, compost, or other type of organic matter. Fertilize with a timed-release fertilizer with a high middle number, such as VigoroŽ Timed Release Flower & Vegetable Plant Food. The extra phosphorous will help the plants develop extensive roots.
Because impatiens must be watered often in warm weather, they benefit from additional fertilizer starting about six weeks after planting. Fertilize your impatiens with a VigoroŽ Bloom Builder Water Soluble Plant Food. When growing impatiens in containers, fertilize them more often every other week with VigoroŽ Bloom Builder Water Soluble Plant Food.
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