How to Grow Impatiens 'Frost'

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Impatiens 'Frost'

Impatiens walleriana 'Frost'

flower

Impatiens 'Frost' is a shade-loving annual bedding plant featuring distinctive variegated foliage with white or cream-colored margins and dark green centers, complemented by vibrant flowers in shades of pink, red, orange, or bi-colors. This compact cultivar is prized for its ornamental leaves as much as its abundant blooms, making it ideal for shaded gardens and containers. The plant thrives in consistently moist conditions and produces continuous flowers throughout the growing season.

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Example Impatiens 'Frost' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Impatiens 'Frost'
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
First Impatiens 'Frost' blooms
Around Jun 1

≈ 45 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Impatiens 'Frost' dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Partial to full shade; 2-4 hours of dappled sunlight daily. Avoid intense afternoon sun which causes wilting and leaf scorch.

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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Daily watering may be necessary in hot weather. Reduce watering slightly in cooler months.

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Spacing: 12 inches

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Days to maturity: 45-60 days to first blooms

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Planting depth: Surface sow or press lightly into soil; seeds need light to germinate. Plant transplants at same depth as container.

Soil

Type: Rich, well-draining, moisture-retentive soil

pH: 6.0-6.5

Amendments:

Peat moss or coco coir Compost or aged bark Perlite for drainage

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Best as an annual in zones 3-11; perennial in zones 9b-11

9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny plants with cotyledons and first true leaves appearing; very delicate with minimal variegation visible

Maintain high humidity and consistent moisture. Keep under bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun and overwatering which causes damping off.

Vegetative

3-4 weeks

Young plants develop branching stems and variegated leaves become increasingly prominent with white-margined foliage. Plants remain compact and bushy.

Pinch back growing tips when 3-4 inches tall to encourage branching. Gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions if growing indoors. Maintain consistent moisture.

Budding & Early Flowering

2-3 weeks

Flower buds begin forming at branch tips; first blooms appear while plant continues vegetative growth. Variegation is fully apparent.

Continue pinching back if needed for fuller shape. Maintain regular watering and humidity. Begin light fertilizing every 2-3 weeks.

Peak Flowering

8-12 weeks (or until frost)

Plant is fully bloomed with continuous flowers covering foliage. Variegated leaves remain vibrant; plant reaches full mature size.

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. Water regularly and fertilize bi-weekly. Watch for spider mites and whiteflies in dry conditions.

Late Season & Decline

4+ weeks until frost

Flowering may slow as temperatures cool (below 60°F). Plant becomes less vigorous in fall/winter.

Reduce fertilizing frequency. In frost-prone areas, prepare for end-of-season removal. In warm climates, may transition to light pruning and overwintering.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Hostas Ferns Begonias Coleus Heuchera Astilbe Brunnera Coral bells

Avoid planting near:

Full-sun plants requiring dry soil Deep-rooted shrubs that compete for moisture Plants that prefer air circulation in dry shade

Common Pests

Increase humidity with regular misting. Spray leaves with water to dislodge mites. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe. Avoid overfertilizing with nitrogen.
Use yellow sticky traps to monitor and control. Spray undersides of leaves with insecticidal soap. Apply neem oil every 7-10 days. Isolate infested plants.
No cure; remove infected plants immediately. Control thrips with insecticidal soap or spinosad. Choose disease-resistant varieties when available. Disinfect tools between plants.
Improve air circulation. Avoid wetting foliage; water at soil level. Remove affected leaves. Apply sulfur-based fungicide if severe. Reduce watering frequency slightly if humidity is excessive.
Allow soil surface to dry slightly between waterings. Use yellow sticky traps. Apply sand or diatomaceous earth to soil surface. Use systemic insecticide if infestation is heavy.

Uses

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Not edible

Culinary

Impatiens flowers are not poisonous but are not traditionally used in cooking. Some ornamental impatiens species have edible flowers that may be used as garnish in gourmet cooking. [source]

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Container & border gardening

Household

Ideal for shaded patios, decks, mixed containers, and as edging along shaded borders. The variegated foliage provides visual interest even before flowers appear, and the compact growth habit suits small spaces. [source]

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Indoor houseplant

Household

Impatiens 'Frost' can be grown as a houseplant in bright, indirect light near east or north-facing windows. Provide high humidity and consistent moisture for best results indoors. [source]

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Pollinator attraction

Wildlife

While not a major nectar source, impatiens flowers attract hummingbirds and small bees, providing supplemental food sources in shaded garden areas where flowering plants are limited. [source]

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Floral arrangements

Craft

The variegated foliage and delicate flowers are suitable for cutting for fresh arrangements, though flowers wilt quickly and are best used fresh. Foliage adds texture and visual interest to mixed arrangements. [source]

Harvest Tips

Impatiens 'Frost' is ornamental; deadheading spent flowers extends blooming by redirecting energy from seed production. Pinch off wilted or damaged flowers and leaves regularly. For propagation, take 3-4 inch cuttings from healthy stems, remove lower leaves, and root in moist soil or water.

Fun Facts

🌱 The name 'Impatiens' comes from the Latin word meaning 'impatient,' referring to the plant's seed pods that burst open and scatter seeds at the slightest touch when ripe.
🌱 Impatiens 'Frost' is a relatively modern cultivar developed specifically for the ornamental foliage effect, combining the popular variegated leaf pattern with the prolific flowering tendency of Impatiens walleriana.
🌱 Impatiens can regenerate from cuttings so readily that a single plant can produce dozens of new plants in just a few weeks, making it one of the easiest annuals to propagate for gardeners.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Cultivar Damping Off Deadhead Pinch Back True Leaves

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