The Busy Lizzie (or Impatiens, as many of us call them) originally hails from the warm climates of Africa. But don’t let that fool you—these beauties are actually pretty sensitive to direct, scorching midday sun. There’s often a bit of a debate about how long these prolific bloomers actually live, so I’ve put together a guide on how to care for your Impatiens and, more importantly, how to keep them thriving through the winter.
Balcony plants aren’t always just one-season wonders
Impatiens are a go-to choice for hanging baskets or bright ceramic pots on the patio. Since they’re such reliable bloomers and usually pretty budget-friendly, most gardeners just buy new ones every spring and toss the old ones when fall hits. But hold on! You don’t actually have to say goodbye. With a little effort, overwintering them is totally worth it, and they’ll come back just as stunning next summer.
Key steps for a successful winter
There are a few things that can make or break your overwintering success. Keep these tips in mind to keep your plants happy:
- Bring your plants inside by October at the latest.
- Give them a good once-over to check for any hitchhiking pests.
- Don’t move them back outside until May.
While some hardy plants can handle a bit of frost, the delicate Busy Lizzie needs to come indoors as soon as temperatures dip below 55°F (12°C). In the spring, make sure you wait until the very last threat of frost has passed before planting them back out in the garden.
How to overwinter your Impatiens
Finding the right winter home and sticking to a light care routine are the secrets to success.
Here’s your game plan:
- Your Impatiens will need a spot that’s as bright as possible during the winter.
- Keep the room temperature above 55°F (12°C).
- Bright hallways, sunrooms, or heated greenhouses are perfect spots.
- As the days get shorter, the plant enters a dormant phase. This means you should stop fertilizing entirely.
- Dial back the watering, too—just give them enough to keep the soil from drying out completely.
Use the winter months for propagation
Winter is actually a great time to grow your collection! You can start new plants from seeds or root cuttings right in your house. To do this, take tip cuttings in late summer and plant them in starter pots. Keep the well-draining soil slightly moist, and you should see the first roots appearing in about four weeks.
