Why are my Impatiens wilting?

They likely need water, as they are very thirsty plants.

Can I grow them in full sun?

Most varieties prefer shade, though some newer types tolerate more light.

Plant guide

Busy Lizzie.

Impatiens

Pronounced im-PAY-shenz wal-er-ee-AY-na

Also known as Balsams, Impatiens, Jewelweeds, Touch-me-not, jewelweed, snapweeds, touch-me-nots, Jewelweeds And Impatiens

Impatiens are classic shade lovers that bring a pop of color to dim corners. They are perfect for containers or garden beds where they can stay consistently moist. You will love how they bloom almost continuously throughout the warmer months.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Annual
Light: Partial shade to full shade
Indoor light: Medium light
Water: Every 2 to 4 days
Mature size: 1 to 2 feet
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 10 to 11
Bloom time: Late spring to first frost

Care

Keep the soil consistently damp but never soggy to prevent root rot. Watch for wilting as a sign that the plant is thirsty, though it usually perks back up quickly after a drink. Pinch back the stems if the plant starts to get too leggy to encourage a fuller shape.

Watering: Water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Feeding: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the active growing season.
Pruning: Pinch off the tips of stems to promote bushier growth and more flowers.
Repotting: Since these are typically grown as annuals, you usually do not need to worry about long term repotting.
Soil: Rich, well draining potting mix
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.0
Temperature: 10 to 28°C
Humidity: 50 to 80%
Drought tolerance: Low
Lifespan: Grown as an annual in most climates.
Deer and rabbits: Low

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes
Plant wilting very quickly after watering

Safety

People: The plant is not considered toxic but may cause mild stomach upset if ingested in large quantities.
Pets: This plant is generally considered non toxic to cats and dogs.
Children: The seed pods can be startling to children when they pop open, but they are not dangerous.
Contact allergens: Some people may experience mild skin irritation from the stems.
Airborne allergens: There are no significant airborne allergy risks associated with this plant.
Edibility: Impatiens are generally considered non-edible and should not be consumed.

How to identify it

succulent, fleshy stems
brightly colored five petaled flowers
lance shaped leaves with serrated edges
compact and bushy growth habit

Height: 0.15 to 0.6m
Spread: 0.2 to 0.5m
Leaves: green, bronze, deciduous
Flowers: pink, red, white, purple, orange, 2 to 5cm

Problems to watch for

Downy mildew · A fungal infection that causes yellowing leaves and plant collapse.
Aphids · Small insects that suck sap from new growth.

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: cuttings, seed
When to plant: spring
Overwintering: In cold climates, they will die with the first frost. You can take cuttings in late summer to root indoors over winter.
In containers: They are excellent for containers, provided the pot has drainage and is at least 20 cm wide.

Stem Cuttings

1. Cut a 10 cm piece of healthy stem.
2. Remove the lower leaves.
3. Place the stem in a glass of water.
4. Wait for roots to grow.
5. Plant in potting soil.

Group plants with similar water needs together to make maintenance easier.

Grows well with

Begonia · They share similar shade and moisture requirements.
Coleus · The colorful foliage of coleus contrasts beautifully with impatiens flowers.
Ferns · Ferns provide a lush, green backdrop for the bright blooms.

Similar species

New Guinea Impatiens · These have larger flowers and are more resistant to downy mildew.

Science

Family: Balsaminaceae
Genus: Impatiens
Order: Ericales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Tropical and subtropical regions of the world.
Conservation: This plant is not of conservation concern.

They naturally grow in the moist, shaded understory of tropical forests.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: bees, butterflies, moths
Uses: container gardening, shade borders, hanging baskets

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 2/9
Temperature: 8/9
Moisture: 7/9
Nutrients: 6/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Why are my Impatiens wilting?: They likely need water, as they are very thirsty plants.
Can I grow them in full sun?: Most varieties prefer shade, though some newer types tolerate more light.

Where the name comes from

The name comes from the Latin word impatiens, meaning impatient, describing how the seed pods burst open.

Good to know

They are often called Busy Lizzies.
They thrive in deep shade where many other flowers fail.
The seed pods are sensitive to touch, which helps disperse seeds.

Also in

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This guide was generated with AI on October 28, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.