Impatiens
Impatiens walleriana
Last reviewed: August 2026
Impatiens (Impatiens walleriana) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-08-15). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
shade
Water
high
Size
8"–24" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Native alternatives to Impatiens
Impatiens is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 446 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaA tender annual grown for continuous flowering in shade, in white, pink, coral, and red. It wilts quickly when dry and recovers within hours once watered. Downy mildew has made it unreliable in some gardens.
In an HOA neighborhood
Impatiens is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation bed, border.
Wildlife value
Grown as an ornamental. Non-native plants support far fewer local insects than a native of similar size, so treat this as garden interest rather than habitat.
Common questions
- How much sun does Impatiens need?
- Impatiens grows best in shade conditions.
- When does Impatiens bloom?
- Impatiens blooms in May, June, July, August, September, and October.
- Is Impatiens toxic to dogs?
- Impatiens is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Impatiens toxic to cats?
- Impatiens is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Impatiens HOA-friendly?
- Impatiens is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Impatiens? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz