From our perspective, the space you provide is everything. It is our entire world. The primary reason we need proper spacing is to accommodate our root systems. We are not deep-rooted plants; our roots tend to spread out horizontally just beneath the soil's surface. If you plant us too close together, our roots become entangled and must compete fiercely for the most basic necessities: water and nutrients. This underground battle for resources stunts our growth before we even have a chance to flourish above ground. Adequate space allows each of our root networks to establish itself without competition, creating a strong, healthy foundation that supports vibrant top growth.
Crowding is not just uncomfortable for us; it is a direct threat to our health. When our leaves and stems are pressed tightly together, it creates a damp, humid microenvironment that fungal diseases like powdery mildew and botrytis absolutely thrive in. These ailments can quickly devastate an entire bed of impatiens. Proper spacing ensures that air can circulate freely around each of our stems and through our foliage. This airflow helps our leaves dry quickly after watering or a rain shower, significantly reducing the risk of disease and keeping us healthy and strong throughout the growing season.
While some of our impatiens cousins tolerate more sun, most of us thrive in partial to full shade. This doesn't mean we need less light; it means we are adapted to make the most of the dappled light that reaches the forest floor. When we are planted too closely, we are forced to stretch and strain towards any available light source. This results in leggy, weak stems with fewer leaves and significantly fewer of the beautiful blooms you love us for. The right amount of space allows each plant to bask in the available light without having to compete with its neighbors, encouraging us to grow into full, bushy, and floriferous specimens.
So, what does this ideal space look like? For most of our common bedding varieties, such as Impatiens walleriana, a distance of 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) between each plant is perfect. This may look sparse when you first plant us, but please trust the process. We will quickly fill in that space, creating a lush, continuous carpet of color and foliage without becoming overcrowded. If you are planting us in containers, you can place us a little closer together, about 6 to 8 inches apart, as the controlled environment and consistent watering and feeding can support slightly tighter quarters. For the larger New Guinea impatiens varieties, we appreciate even more room to show off—aim for 12 to 18 inches between us to account for our larger stature and leaf size.
