The German Empress (Impatiens hawkeri) is a popular ornamental plant cherished for its vibrant blooms and relatively easy care. This tender perennial, often cultivated as an annual, brings continuous color to gardens and containers.
Identifying German Empress
German Empress plants (Impatiens hawkeri) are distinctive, typically growing in a mounding, bushy habit, reaching 12 to 18 inches tall and 6 to 9 inches wide. Their succulent stems range from light green to reddish.
Foliage features ovate to elliptic leaves, arranged oppositely or in whorls, varying from dark green to bronze or purple, with some variegation. Leaf margins are typically crenate (rounded teeth), and prominent veins add texture.
The striking flowers have five overlapping petals forming a large, showy bloom, often 1 to 2 inches in diameter. These blossoms come in a wide spectrum of colors, including red, orange, pink, lavender, and white, each with a conspicuous, elongated spur at its base.
Planting German Empress
Plant German Empress outdoors after all danger of frost has passed in late spring, generally when nighttime temperatures remain above 45 degrees Fahrenheit. They thrive best in partial shade, particularly with morning sun and afternoon protection from intense heat.
These plants prefer well-draining, moist soil rich in organic matter, with an acidic pH (ideally 6.0-6.5). Before planting, amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage.
Dig a hole roughly double the root ball size, placing the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Space plants 8 to 12 inches apart for air circulation and growth. Backfill with soil, gently firming it around the roots to remove air pockets, then thoroughly water to help establish.
Ongoing Care for German Empress
Consistent attention to the ongoing needs of German Empress plants ensures their vibrant display throughout the growing season. Their requirements for light, water, and nutrients, along with occasional pruning, contribute significantly to their overall health and bloom production.
Light Requirements
German Empress plants perform best in locations that receive morning sun and afternoon shade. An eastern exposure is ideal, providing the bright, indirect light they prefer. Too much intense, direct afternoon sun can lead to scorched leaves and reduced blooming. In shadier spots, flower production might be less prolific.
Watering Needs
Consistent soil moisture is important for German Empress, as they do not tolerate drought. Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged, which can lead to root rot. Water thoroughly when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil feel dry. In hot summer months, this might mean daily watering, especially for container plants, which tend to dry out more quickly than those in garden beds. If plants wilt dramatically, they are likely underwatered but usually recover quickly after watering.
Fertilization
German Empress plants are moderate to heavy feeders, benefiting from supplemental nutrients to support continuous blooming. Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two to four weeks during the growing season for healthy growth and abundant flowers. Incorporating a slow-release fertilizer into the soil at planting time can also provide a steady supply of nutrients.
Pruning and Deadheading
Pruning and deadheading are beneficial practices for German Empress, encouraging bushier growth and more blooms. Removing faded blooms by pinching the stem back to the first set of leaves can redirect the plant’s energy towards producing new flowers. Trimming leggy or spindly stems by 4 to 6 inches promotes a more compact, lush appearance. This mid-season pruning helps maintain the plant’s shape and vigor.
Propagating German Empress
Propagating German Empress plants from stem cuttings is an effective method to create new plants, as many hybrid varieties do not grow true from seed. Take 2 to 6-inch cuttings from healthy, non-flowering stems of a mature plant, using sterile shears to prevent disease.
Remove any flower buds and the leaves from the bottom 1 to 2 inches of the cutting; this exposes the leaf nodes where roots will emerge. Cuttings can be rooted in water or a moist rooting medium.
For water rooting, place prepared cuttings in a glass of water, ensuring bare stem sections are submerged, and change water every day or two. For soil rooting, insert cuttings into pots filled with a well-draining potting mix (e.g., peat, perlite, compost) and water thoroughly.
Keep the rooting medium consistently moist and place cuttings in bright, indirect light. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which new plants can be transplanted into individual pots or their final outdoor location.
Common Issues and Solutions for German Empress
German Empress plants are generally robust, but can encounter issues. Environmental stress often manifests as wilting or yellowing leaves. Wilting usually indicates insufficient water, while yellowing leaves and wilting stems can signal overwatering, potentially leading to root rot.
Ensure well-draining soil and allow the top layer to dry slightly between waterings to prevent moisture-related problems. Pests such as spider mites, aphids, mealybugs, and thrips can affect German Empress, causing distorted, discolored, or curled leaves. Thrips, in particular, may target flowers and buds. Mild infestations can often be managed with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Fungal issues like leaf spot, powdery mildew, and gray mold can occur, especially with high humidity or poor air circulation. Good garden hygiene, proper plant spacing, and avoiding overhead watering can help mitigate these diseases.
Overwintering German Empress
In regions where temperatures drop below 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit, German Empress, a tender perennial, needs protection to survive winter. Gardeners often bring these plants indoors to overwinter. The best time to bring them inside is before night temperatures consistently fall below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, typically in early fall.
For overwintering, plants can either be dug up from the garden and potted, or stem cuttings can be taken and rooted indoors. If bringing in mature plants, prune them back by about two-thirds to manage their size for indoor conditions.
Indoors, provide bright, indirect light (e.g., sunny window or grow lights) for 12 to 15 hours daily. Reduce watering significantly, allowing soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot, as growth slows. Maintain moderate temperatures (ideally 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit) and avoid fertilizing during winter to encourage rest.