When the last blooms of summer fade and frost whispers its arrival, most gardeners sadly say goodbye to their vibrant impatiens. But what if you didn’t have to? What if the brilliant reds, pinks, purples, and whites could follow you right into the heart of winter?
Overwintering impatiens isn’t just possible — it’s easier than most people think. With a little preparation, you can rescue these cheerful flowers from the cold and enjoy their color until the first signs of spring.
Let’s walk through exactly how to do it, step-by-step, so your impatiens not only survive but thrive through the colder months.
Why Bother Overwintering Impatiens?
Impatiens are loved for their non-stop blooms and shade-loving nature, but they’re tender annuals in most climates. When frost hits, their soft stems and leaves can’t handle the cold — they simply wilt and die.
But here’s the thing: overwintering gives you three big benefits:
- Save money — You won’t have to buy new plants each spring.
- Earlier blooms — Plants started from overwintered stock bounce back faster.
- Bigger, bushier plants — Mature impatiens have stronger root systems than young seedlings.
And honestly, there’s something satisfying about outsmarting winter, isn’t there?
Two Main Ways to Overwinter Impatiens
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach — your method depends on your space, climate, and gardening style.
1. Keep Them Growing Indoors
This works if you want continuous blooms during winter and have a bright indoor space.
2. Take Cuttings and Restart in Spring
Perfect for gardeners short on space — you only need to keep small starter plants alive until warmer days return.
Let’s break each method down.
Method 1: Bringing Impatiens Indoors for Winter
If your impatiens are still healthy and full in late summer, this method keeps the same plants blooming right through the cold season.
Step 1: Choose the Healthiest Plants
- Look for compact plants with no signs of pests or disease.
- Avoid those with yellowing leaves or leggy stems — they won’t handle the move well.
Step 2: Check for Pests Before Bringing Them In
You don’t want to bring in unwanted guests. Inspect leaves (especially the undersides) for aphids, spider mites, or whiteflies. If you spot any:
- Spray with a mild insecticidal soap.
- Rinse thoroughly before moving indoors.
Step 3: Pot Them Up
- Use clean pots with fresh, well-draining potting mix.
- Water lightly after potting — too much moisture can shock the roots.
Step 4: Find the Perfect Spot Indoors
- Impatiens need bright, indirect light — a south or west-facing window is ideal.
- Keep them away from cold drafts and heating vents.
- Aim for temperatures between 60–70°F (15–21°C).
Step 5: Adjust Watering and Feeding
- Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Feed every 4–6 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
- In low light, they may bloom less — but they’ll stay healthy and ready to explode with flowers in spring.
Method 2: Taking Cuttings to Overwinter
Cuttings are a space-saving way to keep your favorite impatiens varieties alive without maintaining the entire plant.
Step 1: Take Cuttings Before Frost Hits
- Choose healthy, non-flowering stems about 4–6 inches long.
- Cut just below a leaf node (where leaves join the stem).
Step 2: Remove Lower Leaves
Leave the top two sets of leaves but strip off the rest to prevent rot.
Step 3: Root the Cuttings
You have two options:
- In water: Place cuttings in a clear jar of water in bright, indirect light. Change water every 3–4 days.
- In soil: Dip cut ends in rooting hormone and plant in a small pot of moist potting mix. Cover with a plastic dome to maintain humidity.
Roots usually appear within 2–3 weeks.
Step 4: Grow Indoors Until Spring
- Keep cuttings in a sunny window or under grow lights.
- Transplant them into larger pots as they grow.
- When frost danger passes, plant them back outdoors.
Extra Care Tips for Winter Impatiens
Even if you follow all the right steps, impatiens can be fussy indoors. These tips will help you keep them in top shape.
1. Watch the Humidity
Indoor heating can dry out the air. Low humidity makes leaves curl or drop.
- Use a humidifier or place a tray of water near the plants.
- Group plants together to create a mini-humid zone.
2. Avoid Overwatering
Root rot is the number one killer of overwintered impatiens. Always let the soil dry slightly before watering again.
3. Pinch Back for Bushier Growth
If plants get leggy, pinch off the tips of stems to encourage branching.
4. Rotate Regularly
Turn pots every week so all sides get equal light exposure.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Overwintering Impatiens
Many gardeners lose their plants because of small but critical missteps. Here’s what to avoid:
- Bringing in pests — Always inspect plants before moving them indoors.
- Too little light — Without enough light, impatiens become weak and prone to disease.
- Overfeeding — Too much fertilizer in low-light conditions can burn roots.
- Sudden temperature changes — Move plants indoors gradually over several days.
When to Move Impatiens Back Outdoors
In spring, wait until all danger of frost has passed. A sudden cold snap can undo months of care.
- Start by placing plants outdoors in shade for a few hours each day.
- Gradually increase time and sunlight exposure over 1–2 weeks (a process called “hardening off”).
By the time warm weather returns, your impatiens will be lush, healthy, and ready to bloom.
Should You Overwinter or Just Replant Next Year?
Some gardeners prefer to treat impatiens as annuals and start fresh each spring — and that’s perfectly fine. But if you’ve grown a variety you love, or you simply want the challenge and satisfaction of keeping them alive, overwintering is worth the effort.
It’s especially rewarding when you step into your living room in the middle of January and see a burst of pink blooms reminding you of summer.