How to Grow Impatiens, Super Elfin
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Impatiens, Super Elfin
Impatiens walleriana 'Super Elfin'
flowerSuper Elfin is a compact, dwarf impatiens cultivar known for its profuse blooms and tidy mounding habit, typically reaching only 6-10 inches tall. This shade-loving annual produces abundant small flowers in a wide range of colors and blooms continuously from spring through frost. It's an excellent choice for containers, hanging baskets, shaded borders, and indoor growing.
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Example Impatiens, Super Elfin timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Impatiens, Super Elfin
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Impatiens, Super Elfin blooms
Around May 22≈ 35 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →All zones as an annual; thrives outdoors spring through fall in zones 1-11
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Seedling
10-14 daysTiny seedlings emerge with small oval cotyledons and develop first true leaves within 7-10 days
Keep soil evenly moist; provide bright indirect light; maintain 70-75°F for optimal germination; do not cover seeds
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops multiple stems and bushy foliage with lance-shaped leaves; reaches 3-5 inches tall
Pinch growing tips when plants are 2-3 inches tall to encourage branching and bushiness; maintain consistent moisture and shade; fertilize weekly with diluted balanced fertilizer
Budding
1-2 weeksFlower buds begin forming at leaf axils; plant continues to branch and fill out to compact mound shape
Continue pinching if plant is too leggy; maintain shade and consistent watering; reduce pinching to allow blooms; start regular weekly feeding
Blooming
6-8 weeks until frost (continuous if properly maintained)Abundant small flowers (typically 1-2 inches across) cover the plant in solid mounds of color; available in red, pink, purple, white, orange, and bicolors
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming (though Super Elfin is self-cleaning); maintain moisture and shade; feed every 7-10 days with diluted liquid fertilizer; watch for powdery mildew in humid conditions
Decline
Variable, typically ending with frostPlant slows flowering and weakens as temperatures drop below 55°F or frost approaches; foliage may yellow
Pull plants when severely frosted; in mild climates, can extend season with frost cloth; bring container plants indoors to a bright window to bloom through winter
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap; increase air circulation; use yellow sticky traps; treat undersides of leaves every 5-7 days as needed
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Mist foliage regularly to increase humidity; spray with water or miticide; remove heavily infested leaves; improve air circulation
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Spray with insecticidal soap; rinse with strong water spray; use neem oil; introduce natural predators like ladybugs
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Remove yellow or distorted leaves; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; improve air circulation
Uses
Edible Flowers
CulinaryImpatiens flowers are non-toxic and can be used as colorful, mild-flavored garnishes for salads, desserts, and beverages. The petals add visual appeal to dishes without strong flavor. [source]
Container and Basket Gardens
HouseholdSuper Elfin's compact, mounding habit and heavy flowering make it ideal for hanging baskets, window boxes, mixed containers, and shade garden borders. A single plant fills a 6-inch pot completely. [source]
Indoor Houseplant
HouseholdSuper Elfin can be grown indoors year-round in a bright, humid location with indirect light, making it excellent for brightening bathrooms and low-light rooms. It appreciates consistently moist soil. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeImpatiens flowers attract hummingbirds and other pollinators with their nectar-rich blooms and bright colors, particularly reds and oranges. Planting them in shaded areas provides essential nectar sources. [source]
Cut Flowers and Arrangements
CraftThe delicate flowers work well in small floral arrangements, terrariums, and garden containers. Stems with foliage can be propagated in water to create new plants. [source]
Harvest Tips
Impatiens are grown for continuous ornamental flowers rather than harvested. Pinch off spent blooms to maintain neat appearance and encourage more flowering. Cut stems for fresh arrangements anytime during blooming season; flowers last 3-5 days in water.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The name 'Impatiens' comes from the Latin word for 'impatient,' referring to the way the mature seed pods explosively burst at the slightest touch, scattering seeds up to 5 feet away.
- 🌱 Super Elfin is a dwarf cultivar bred specifically for compact growth and continuous blooming, making it far superior to standard impatiens for containers and small spaces—a single plant can produce hundreds of flowers per season.
- 🌱 Impatiens are among the few flowering plants that thrive in shade, making them invaluable for brightening dark corners where most annuals refuse to bloom.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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