Impatiens are one of the most popular annual bedding plants, prized for their ability to deliver continuous, vibrant color even in deep shade. These flowers, often simply called impatiens or busy Lizzies, belong to the Impatiens genus. The question of their benefit to pollinators, however, has a complicated answer that depends entirely on which specific variety you choose to plant. Many common garden varieties have been bred for ornamental qualities that often diminish their ecological value.
The Critical Distinction in Impatiens Types
The most commonly planted shade annual is the Common Bedding Impatiens (Impatiens walleriana), native to East Africa but highly hybridized. These cultivars are selected primarily for flower size, color variation, and extended bloom time. These traits frequently come at the expense of nectar and pollen yield, meaning their contribution to a pollinator’s diet is often minimal compared to unhybridized species.
New Guinea Impatiens (Impatiens hawkeri), a hybrid from Papua New Guinea, are generally sturdier and tolerate more sun. They feature large, colorful, five-petaled flowers with a nectar spur, attracting specific pollinators like butterflies and moths. However, many modern hybrids are bred to be sterile or near-sterile to promote longer flowering, resulting in less pollen and sometimes less nectar than their wild ancestors.
The most beneficial varieties for native wildlife are the Native Impatiens, commonly known as Jewelweed or Touch-Me-Nots (Impatiens capensis or Impatiens pallida). These North American natives are recognizable by their distinctive orange or pale yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers with a prominent nectar spur. Jewelweed is highly attractive to native bees, bumblebees, and hummingbirds, providing a rich source of nectar that has co-evolved with these specific pollinators.
How Flower Structure Affects Pollinator Access
The flower structure of many commercially available impatiens makes them poor resources for foraging insects. Modern breeding frequently selects for “double flowers,” where the stamens and pistils—the pollen and nectar-producing parts—are converted into extra petals. This proliferation of petals physically blocks access to the nectaries and anthers, making it difficult or impossible for bees to collect pollen or reach the nectar deep within the flower.
A wild flower invests energy in producing pollen and nectar for reproduction. Ornamental breeding, in contrast, prioritizes the aesthetic appeal of a long-lasting bloom. To achieve this extended display, some modern cultivars are bred to be functionally sterile, producing minimal pollen, which deprives the local insect population of sustenance.
The nectar spur, a characteristic feature of the Impatiens genus, plays a role in pollinator specificity. Native Jewelweed flowers have a spur of a specific length and shape, perfectly suited for the long tongues of certain bumblebees and the bills of hummingbirds. This co-evolutionary trait ensures that only certain animals can access the nectar, ensuring pollen transfer. When this natural feature is altered or lost through hybridization, the flower loses its ability to attract and reward its specialized pollinators.
Companion Plants for Pollinator Health
Since many common ornamental impatiens offer limited ecological value, gardeners looking to support pollinators in shaded areas should focus on diversifying their plantings with more rewarding companion species. Creating a pollinator-friendly shade garden involves choosing plants that thrive in moist, well-drained soil and partial to full shade.
Excellent shade-tolerant alternatives that offer substantial resources to local wildlife include native plants like Bleeding Hearts (Dicentra spectabilis), which attract bumblebees early in the season. Columbine (Aquilegia species) and native Bee Balm (Monarda species) are also valuable choices, attracting hummingbirds and a variety of bees.
For foliage and structure, incorporate Hostas and different types of Ferns, which provide habitat and contrast. The goal is to create a multi-layered habitat, including groundcovers, annuals, and shrubs, ensuring continuous foraging opportunities from spring through fall. Integrating these species ensures shaded spaces are vibrant havens for both people and pollinators.