Impatiens in the waterfall

[knicks1met]

For the impatiens, do the roots just go in the water without a container with soil?

 

[Relic]

Yup. The water is chock full of nutrients that the impatiens will thrive on. The only possible drawback is how incredibly large they will get. I planted a single plant - out of a 2" pot - and it took over the waterfall to the extent that I eventually removed the whole plant. The roots were everywhere and were wicking away water from the pond. But, in all honesty, to use an old Seinfeld line: "they're spectacular"

 

[Lisak1]

For the impatiens, do the roots just go in the water without a container with soil?

That's correct. I leave the tiny soil plug intact on the plant - I buy the tray with 32 or 36 plants so they start out very small. I just push the plug into any spot that I can find where they will be in contact with the water. I only use about a 10 or 12 of these in my two waterfalls, so then I find little shady spots all over the yard to plant the rest. They really make a big impact by mid-summer!

 

[knicks1met]

That's correct. I leave the tiny soil plug intact on the plant - I buy the tray with 32 or 36 plants so they start out very small. I just push the plug into any spot that I can find where they will be in contact with the water. I only use about a 10 or 12 of these in my two waterfalls, so then I find little shady spots all over the yard to plant the rest. They really make a big impact by mid-summer!

And if I put them in the water, do they survive the winter and rebloom next season or would they just last the one season. I’m in CT.

 

[Lisak1]

They're annuals here - I'd assume the same for you. First light frost we get, they're done. Very very tender annual.