Jun 14, 2021
How to Care for Beacon® Impatiens
For lasting color, you can rely on Beacon impatiens to thrive. Extensive trialing has proven that Beacon impatiens provides genetic high resistance to Impatiens downy mildew, offering healthy, long-lasting color for shade gardens, containers and landscapes. Here are some tips on the best way to care for your Beacon impatiens.
 
Where to plant:
Plant impatiens in fertile, well-draining soil enriched with organic matter in light to medium shade, keeping them out of direct sunlight. 
 
Plant spacing in garden beds:
Plant Beacon about 8-10 in. (20-25 cm) apart. Closer spacing will encourage taller growth, while more distance between plants encourages them to spread out and fill in the gaps. Plant further apart if using as a ground cover.
 
Planting in containers:
Use a good quality potting soil. A soil that includes a slow-release fertilizer will get them off to a good start. If combining impatiens with other annuals or perennials, choose varieties with the same exposure and watering requirements.
 
Watering:
Impatiens are not drought tolerant, so they need to be watered regularly during dry spells to keep the soil consistently moist and prevent the plants from wilting. To help retain moisture, amend the soil with organic matter and apply a layer of mulch. If planted in pots, they may need to be watered daily during hot, dry weather.
 
Fertilizing:
Apply compost or a slow-release granular fertilizer at planting time.
 
Pruning:
Although pruning is unnecessary, you can pinch plants back if they become tall and leggy to encourage bushier growth. Your plants will quickly respond with a new flush of blooms. Flowers are self-cleaning.

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Reader Comments (7)
I am seeing symptoms of downy mildew only Beacon Impatiens that are planted in hanging baskets and other containers. All are in shade part of the day, some more than others. Doesn't seem to matter. I have been watering them. at least every other day since it has been very dry lately. I try not to get hate on the foliage; I pour the water directly on the soil as much as possible. I used new potting soil from the garden store in all of the containers.

I also have Beacon Impatiens in flower beds around the house. Those are doing much better, though some do show mild downy mildew symptoms, but not nearly as bad as those in the containers. Any ideas as to what is causing this to happen in the containers?
Sunday, June 11, 2023 | Al C.
I am the Landscape manager of my Florida HOA. I had Beacon in my test garden, where it did well, and used it this year in the development common areas. The weather got chilly and rainy, and the plants stopped flowering. Would 50-60 degree weather cause this? The plants are healthy, but not flowering, whereas the New Guineas and begonias are fine.
Saturday, January 20, 2024 | Susan
Hi Susan! Thanks for your message. Yes, colder weather in the 50s and rainy weather can cause Impatiens to slow down or stop blooming, but as soon as it warms back up they will restart their blooming cycle again.
Thursday, January 25, 2024 | Steven - Beacon Impatiens Team
CAN BEACON IMPATIENS TOLERATE AFTERNOON SUN FROM 4:30-SUNDOWN?
Thursday, April 18, 2024 | SANDI V
Some leaves are turning yellow.

Also, pigeons seems to be eating the daylights out of the buds. There were more flowers when I planed than there are now three weeks later.

Any suggestions to either?
Tuesday, June 18, 2024 | Kelly
Hi Sandi! Beacon Impatiens truly prefer more shade than sun -- and afternoon sun can sometimes be the most intense. But aim for 4 hours or less of direct light if you can for the best success with Impatiens.
Tuesday, June 10, 2025 | Katie - Beacon Impatiens Team
Hi Kelly! Yellowing leaves can mean a few things. A "chlorotic" impatiens might be getting too much water (from you and the hose or mother nature). A bit of dry-down could help bring back the green if you've noticed an excess of moisture. Yellow leaves could also mean a nutrition deficiency. If watering has been even, adding a bit of plant food to your next watering could help perk up the foliage color. If you're growing in the ground, adding a bit of organics to your garden bed next season is a good way to keep plants thriving.

As for the Pigeons: Birds can be attracted to tender foliage and buds. If you live in a high-pressure area for birds, avoid planting near any bird-feeding devices which could make your plants part of the menu. Also, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper sometimes deters small rodents and birds from the taste (though Pigeons are apt to eat most anything). I've seen the gardener trick of adding bamboo grilling sticks or barbs into the ground to keep them from walking through your flowers. Make it as uninviting as you can for their feet and wings. But if you have dogs or children, be cautious of making it TOO uninhabitable. Good luck!
Tuesday, June 10, 2025 | Katie - Beacon Impatiens Team
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