The Secretly Aquatic Plant - Impatiens
Many people do not realize that regular old impatiens can be planted in the pond!
Where do I get Impatiens for my pond?
At your local nursery. No need to get these from the aquatic plant section either! They generally come in a 4 or six pack. I consider each separate one to be a “plug’. They can be found in the annual shade loving section. Yes, the ones that usually go in a pot or ground and need to be in the shade). They THRIVE in the WATER! Yes!
These are Impatiens. They come in a variety of colors. You can get the packs of them like this.
When to get them
Most nurseries stop carrying impatiens by early summer, so don’t wait too long. Now is the time!
You also can’t plant them once the full heat of summer arrives. They simply don’t do well when planted during the hottest part of the season.
Look at these gorgeous red impatiens!
What colors do they come in?
The most easily found colors are white, red, light pink, dark pink, so dark they are violet, and salmon.
These were some from a few years ago. I love the light pink with the dark pink center!
How and where to plant them
Impatiens can be tucked into small nooks and crannies along the edges of ponds and streams. Place about 3/4 inch of gravel around the root ball to help protect and stabilize it. If there is moving water, you may want to add a hand-sized rock or two to keep the root ball securely in place. You do not need to rinse off the dirt. I think it nourishes the plant as it establishes and protects the roots too.
The entire root ball does not need to be submerged. In fact, about half of the root ball is enough underwater. Just make sure the soil level itself is not below the water level. Keep the top of the soil right at the water’s surface.
Seriously, you can wedge them between larger rocks and they will do great!
This photo was taken shortly after planting. The root balls are protected from the moving water. The pink ones were just dropped in the crack between rocks where there was water!
The temptation
As you are planting these you might think to yourself “hmm….what if I put in 2 or 3 plugs into a space instead of just one plug…?” ( plug being an individual plant from a 4 pack). I admit, I did it. I did it all around a beautiful pond that we take care of. Now don’t get me wrong, it was stunning, but they grew far larger than I expected and through out the summer they were just too big! I recommend sticking to one plug at a time! (Ok, maybe 2 if you have the space).
These were planted with 3 plugs.
Wait, I thought these were shade plants?!
When planted on the ground (like a normal terrestrial plant) they are. But, when planted in water they tolerate significantly more sun than those planted in ordinary garden soil because their roots stay consistently cool and moist.
Remember -if you water them from above with a hose or sprinkler, water droplets can sit on the flowers and sometimes cause sun bleaching.
(Once they’re planted in a pond or stream, you don’t have to water them anymore! Hooray!)
Want to learn about other plants you can use in your Colorado pond? We have a whole Aquatic Plant Gallery with photos and more information.
Kristi's Tips
Do not try Sun Impatiens! They won’t tolerate wet feet.
Yes, we all like perennials because they come back every year, but Impatiens are worth it! They are not terribly expensive and really bring pops of color.
Remember that all gardening is an experiment. If some Impatiens weren’t planted in a great place they won’t make it. But that is ok! We live and learn!
Get Impatiens right around Mother’s Day – they won’t carry them once it gets to be full hot summer.
* This blog was NOT written by AI. This was written by me. I am not a professional writer, I am a pond person. Therefore, if you see a typo, please forgive me!
*No Impatiens were harmed in the making of this content.