As an experienced gardener and landscaper, I can confidently tell you that impatiens do not necessarily require deadheading. Deadheading refers to the act of removing spent flowers from a plant to encourage more blooms. While deadheading can be beneficial for some plants, impatiens are an exception to this rule.
Impatiens are known for their prolific blooming nature and ability to continuously produce flowers throughout the growing season without the need for deadheading. Their flowers naturally fade and drop off on their own, allowing new buds to form and bloom in their place. Therefore, there is no need to manually remove the faded flowers from your impatiens plants.
However, if your impatiens plants have become leggy or spindly, you may consider pruning them to promote more compact growth and potentially encourage more blooms. In this case, you can prune away the top 1/3 of the plant using clean and sharp gardening shears. This will help stimulate new growth and result in a bushier and more attractive plant.
It’s important to note that pruning impatiens should be done with caution and preferably during the active growth period, which is typically spring or early summer. Avoid pruning too late in the season, as it may disrupt the natural cycle of the plant and affect its ability to flower.
In my personal experience, I have found that impatiens are generally low-maintenance plants that require minimal intervention. They thrive in partial shade to full shade and prefer well-draining soil. Regular watering and occasional fertilization are usually sufficient to keep them healthy and blooming abundantly.
While impatiens do not require deadheading, pruning away the top 1/3 of the plant can be done to encourage more compact growth and potentially increase blooming. However, it’s important to be mindful of the timing and not prune too late in the season. impatiens are relatively hassle-free plants that can add a burst of color to any garden or landscape.
