Michigan Gardener

SIGN UP to stay in touch!
We will send you occasional e-mails with gardening tips and information!


Digital Editions

Click on the cover to read now!

  • Home
  • Departments
    • Ask MG
    • Books
    • Clippings
    • Garden Snapshots
    • MG in the News
    • Janet’s Journal
    • Plant Focus
    • Profile
    • Raising Roses
    • Thyme for Herbs
    • Tools and Techniques
    • Tree Tips
  • Garden Event Calendar
  • Resources
    • Alternatives to Impatiens
    • Garden Help
    • Soil and Mulch Calculator
    • Public Gardens
  • Web Extras
  • About
    • About Us
    • Editorial Content
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
Home Ask MG Low-growing impatiens

PLEASE NOTE: In the autumn of 1995, we hatched the idea for a free, local gardening publication. The following spring, we published the first issue of Michigan Gardener magazine. Advertisers, readers, and distribution sites embraced our vision. Thus began an exciting journey of helping our local gardening community grow and prosper.
After 27 years, nearly 200 issues published, and millions of copies printed, we have decided it is time to end the publication of our Print Magazine and E-Newsletter.

Low-growing impatiens

March 30, 2009   •   

Once again this year, my impatiens grew to about 24″ tall (they are in dappled shade). I fertilized occasionally with Bloom Builder, which has a higher proportion of phosphorous. The quality and quantity of the blooms were very good, but not quite as prolific as the low-growing types I have seen. Are there specific varieties of impatiens that are low-growing, and if so, what are some of the names? If not, what can I do to encourage lower, bushier growth?

Understand that the amount of shade will directly effect the height and bud count on all varieties of impatiens.

Since the sun is a natural growth retardant, plants tend to stay shorter and will have considerably more flower power. If you are dealing with heavier shade and desire shorter plants, try spacing impatiens further apart when planting next spring. Impatiens are natural spreaders, forming a low ground cover…but once they grow together the growth goes up instead of out. If you are used to a 6 inch spacing, try an 8 inch spacing to prolong the bushiness and control height for a longer period.

There are several shorter varieties of impatiens. Both the Super Elfin and Accent series are heavy bloomers, come in a wide assortment of colors, and stay shorter than other varieties.

Filed Under: Ask MG

Previous Post: Daytime habits of slugs
Next Post: Selecting and planting a groundcover for full-sun

Copyright 1996-2025 Michigan Gardener. All rights reserved.