Why are my Impatiens plants wilting and dying in North Florida in September?
While impatiens are normally very hardy annuals, they will need almost constant watering and frequent fertilization in dry, hot conditions. When they don’t get enough water (especially in hanging pots), they will wilt, but after a good watering they can bounce back literally in less than an hour. They also prefer slightly shady areas like under a larger bush out of the direct sunlight. You might check with your neighbours who have healthy impatiens and see what is different in how the plants are kept. If in pots, fertilize monthly according to the directions with the fertilizer and keep damp. Or, instead of a monthly fertilization schedule, some people prefer to “water weakly, weekly” (mix a very weak solution of the fertizer in water and then use it on a weekly schedule).
