How to Grow Impatiens in Southeast Pennsylvania

Impatiens are favorite flowers with many home gardeners, both for their brilliantly colored blooms and their ability to grow in the shade. In fact, impatiens are the top-selling bedding flower grown in the United States, according to Clemson University. These small beauties grow best in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plant hardiness zones 7 through 11. The southeastern part of Pennsylvania is classified as USDA zone 6---and because of the cold temperatures in that area, Pennsylvania gardeners need to protect impatiens.

• 1

  Plant impatiens when there is no longer danger of freezing temperatures. In southeast Pennsylvania, waiting until mid-May might be wise.

• 2

  Choose a location that is partially shaded. Protection from afternoon sunlight is best for impatiens, as the hot rays can fade the colors and inhibit blooming, according to Clemson University.

• 3

  Add compost to the soil before planting the impatiens. Mix 2 or 3 inches into the soil over the entire planting area.

• 4

  Dig holes just large enough to accommodate the root balls of the plants. Back-fill the holes with the removed dirt after setting the impatiens in the holes. Note that the closer you plant them to each other, the taller the impatiens will get, according to the University of Vermont. For bushy, spreading plants, space them about a foot apart.

• 5

  Add a layer of mulch to the planting site to retain moisture. Keep the soil cool and moist. The thick stems wilt very quickly if left without water for too long.