The Complete Guide to Growing Vibrant Lipstick Impatiens

The Allure of Lipstick Impatiens

With their vibrant colors and hardy nature, it's no wonder that impatiens have become a beloved flower for gardens across North America. And lipstick impatiens, with their bright shades that resemble classic lipstick hues, are especially eye-catching. These beautiful blooms have a lot to offer the right gardener.

The Origin Story of Lipstick Impatiens

First emerging commercially in the 1990s, lipstick impatiens resulted from hybridization between standard impatiens varieties. The goal was to create a strain of impatiens that offered brighter, bolder colors. Through careful cross-pollination, varieties emerged with flowers closely resembling the most popular lipstick shades.

Soon after their debut, lipstick impatiens became tremendously popular. Their hot pink, coral, red, and purple blooms provided a vibrant splash of color in both gardens and patio containers. And fortunately, lipstick impatiens proved to have the same hardy, low-maintenance nature of traditional impatiens.

Growing Conditions for Lipstick Impatiens

Though easy to grow, lipstick impatiens do have some preferred growing conditions for optimal performance:

• Full sun to partial shade
• Consistently moist (but not soaked) soil
• Shelter from wind
• Daytime temperatures around 70°F to 85°F
• Well-drained, humus-rich soil
• Balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks

Provided these simple guidelines, lipstick impatiens will thrive through the season. They make excellent container plants and quickly fill out garden beds with bright, lasting color.

Lipstick Impatiens Varieties

From bold reds to soft, creamy pinks, many lovely lipstick impatiens varieties exist. Here are some of the most popular types:

Big Kiss Red

With flowers the size of a silver dollar in true, bright red, Big Kiss Red impatiens make a dramatic statement. They work beautifully in mass plantings or large containers.

Sweet Kiss Pink

For a softer look, consider Sweet Kiss Pink impatiens. Pale pink blooms resemble the prettiest ballerina shade. The delicate color provides gentle contrast in the garden.

Coral Crush

Reminiscent of exotic corals, Coral Crush lipstick impatiens provide a tropical vibe. The peachy-orange hue contains just a hint of red for added vibrancy. Use these impatiens to create a beachy look.

Combining Lipstick Impatiens with Companion Plants

On their own, lipstick impatiens make a bold statement. But they also combine beautifully with companion plants like:

• Begonias
• Coleus
• Caladiums
• Penta plants
• Petunias
• Salvia

Choose companion plants in contrasting colors to make lipstick impatiens really stand out. Or, select companion plants with similar hues for an ombre effect.

Caring for Lipstick Impatiens in Gardens and Containers

Easy care makes lipstick impatiens ideal for beginning gardeners or busy households. With quick color and forgiving nature, they deliver non-stop bloom until fall frost.

Watering Lipstick Impatiens

Consistent moisture is key for healthy impatiens. Check soil moisture daily. Water thoroughly whenever the top inch becomes dry. Take extra care to monitor soil moisture in containers, as pots dry out quicker than garden beds.

Fertilizing for More Blooms

While impatiens aren't heavy feeders, fertilizer enhances flowering and plant health. Use a balanced blooming fertilizer every 4-6 weeks over the growing season. For containers, you may need to fertilize more frequently.

Deadheading forContinuous Color

As lipstick impatiens blooms fade, promptly deadhead spent flowers. Using sterile scissors or garden snips, cut each faded bloom just above the next set of leaves. Deadheading directs the plant's energy into new flower production instead of seed development.

Watching for Common Problems

When provided good care, impatiens remain fairly pest and disease free. But watch for these potential issues:

• Aphids - Control mild infestations by spraying plants with water or insecticidal soap. For heavy infestations, use insecticides labeled for edible plants.
• Fungal diseases - Prevent fungus by providing good air circulation and avoiding wet foliage overnight. Remove and destroy any infected plants.
• Slug damage - Use barriers like copper tape or diatomaceous earth to protect plants.

Extending the Beauty of Lipstick Impatiens

Once fall arrives, lipstick impatiens decline with cooler weather and shorter daylight hours. But that doesn't mean you have to bid them farewell until next year.

Overwintering Lipstick Impatiens

In frost-free climates, lipstick impatiens often perennialize when left outdoors over winter. Cut plants back by half in fall before mulching beds. In spring, prune any frost damage before plants begin re-blooming.

Where winters get colder, you can dig up impatiens and overwinter them indoors. Carefully remove plants with intact root balls once they go dormant after frost. Repot impatiens and grow indoors through winter, then transplant back outside the following spring.

Starting Seeds for Next Year

Allow a few spent blooms to mature seeds, then collect them once dry. Store the seeds in a cool, dark place over winter. The following spring, start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before transplanting seedlings into gardens after the last frost date.

This way, you'll have beautiful lipstick impatiens ready for planting as soon as conditions allow. And you can enjoy these gorgeous, versatile blooms all summer long once again.

FAQs

What are lipstick impatiens?

Lipstick impatiens are a variety of impatiens specifically bred to produce flowers in bright, vivid colors resembling popular lipstick shades. They come in reds, oranges, corals, pinks, purples, and more.

Are lipstick impatiens annuals or perennials?

Lipstick impatiens are annual flowers in most climates. However, in frost-free regions, they may return for a second year if mulched for winter protection. Where winters are cold, they must be replanted each spring.

How much sun do lipstick impatiens need?

Lipstick impatiens thrive in full sun to partial shade exposures. Ideally, they should receive 4-6 hours of direct sun daily along with some shelter from hot afternoon rays.

What companion plants work well with lipstick impatiens?

Good companion plants for lipstick impatiens include begonias, coleus, caladiums, penta plants, petunias, and salvia. Choose companions with either contrasting or coordinating colors.