Impatiens are a popular garden flower often seen as edging or used for splashes of color in window boxes. They belong to the family Balsamineaceae and can be planted in most any part of the garden. They are beautiful annuals that grow easily and are great for summer plantings every year.

Like most any other garden flower, impatiens need some basic care to grow. Adequate sun, properly fertilized soil will insure lush healthy plants. Make sure you take care to provide enough water as the soft and ample stems of the impatien will wither rapidly if it becomes parched.

Impatiens are typically planted around trees or under shrubs as an edging and this causes them to require more water and fertilizer to make up for that which is used by the other, larger plant.

Impatiens Specifics:

There are many varieties of impatiens and they can range from 8 inches to 2 feet in height.

Impatiens can also have different types of flowers most of which grow 6 to 18 inches tall and 10 to 24 inches diagonally. They are classified as solo, partly doubled, and completely doubled. Some impatiens flowers actually resemble that of a rose while others are more flat in nature.

Impatiens come in a variety of colors including red, orange, pink, white, violet, and rose. This flower also comes in a two-color combination where the bud has a lighter color and the frame is a darker color.

Planting Tips:

Impatiens can grow in sun or shade depending on the variety you purchase. You can plant impatiens in the north or eat part of the garden and the suns rays will be able to reach the plant. When watering here, do not use large amounts as you don't want the plants to sit in standing water.

Impatiens can also be planted in southerly or westerly facing gardens. When planting here, adequate watering is really needed to maintain the plant's moisture.

You can also plant impatiens plant in containers or pots. While growing impatiens in containers can be challenging, it can be done - just make sure to water adequately and watch the plants carefully for signs of fungus.

Impatiens also look good growing under large trees. Although this is not the best place for growing impatiens because the trees will deprive them from needed sunlight. It might be best to put some soil at the foot at the stand of the tree and plant the impatiens there.

Perhaps the most important thing to remember is to make sure you water your impatiens adequately. Don't leave them standing in water, but do not let them dry out either. Container plants will need to be watered more than those planted in the ground.

Lee Dobbins writes for Backyard Garden where you can learn more about gardening and planting your favorite flowers.