‘Celebration’ Impatiens
2025 Flower of the Year

Hello, fellow garden enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into the world of the ‘Celebration’ Impatiens, the dazzling star named the 2025 Flower of the Year. If you’re looking to add a burst of color and charm to your garden, this beauty is your new best friend. Let’s explore why it’s earned this prestigious title and how you can keep it thriving all season long!

Why ‘Celebration’ Impatiens is
the 2025 Flower of the Year

The ‘Celebration’ Impatiens, part of the vibrant New Guinea Impatiens family (Impatiens hawkeri), has stolen the spotlight for 2025, and it’s easy to see why. This flower brings a party to your garden with its bold, cheerful blooms that come in a stunning array of colors—think vivid pinks, radiant oranges, and pure whites. What sets it apart? It’s not just the eye-catching hues; it’s the plant’s ability to bloom tirelessly from spring through fall, even in those tricky shady spots where other flowers might sulk. The folks who pick the Flower of the Year (a nod to horticultural trends and gardener-friendly traits) chose ‘Celebration’ for its resilience, versatility, and sheer joy it brings to any space. Plus, its larger-than-life flowers and lush foliage make it a standout in containers, hanging baskets, and shady borders alike.

The Beauty of ‘Celebration’ Impatiens

Let’s talk about that beauty! The ‘Celebration’ series is known for its big, showy blooms—up to 2-3 inches across—that practically glow against its deep green or bronze-tinged leaves. Whether you’re planting it solo or mixing it with other shade-lovers like begonias or coleus, it adds a touch of tropical flair that’s hard to resist. Hummingbirds and butterflies agree, often stopping by for a sip of nectar. Imagine stepping outside to a cascade of color spilling over your patio pots or brightening up a dim corner of your yard—that’s the magic of ‘Celebration’ Impatiens. It’s like nature’s way of throwing a little party every day!

Care Tips for Your ‘Celebration’ Impatiens

Good news, gardeners: ‘Celebration’ Impatiens is as easy to grow as it is gorgeous. Here’s how to keep it happy:

Location, Location, Location: These beauties thrive in partial to full shade, making them perfect for those spots where the sun doesn’t linger. While they can handle a bit more sun than traditional impatiens (thanks to their New Guinea heritage), they’ll look their best with protection from harsh afternoon rays. Morning light? Yes, please! Scorching midday sun? Not so much.

Soil Prep: Plant them in rich, well-draining soil. Mix in some compost or organic matter to give those shallow roots a cozy home. Aim for a slightly acidic pH (around 6.0-6.5), though they’re not too fussy if you’re close.

Watering Wisdom: Keep the soil consistently moist—like a wrung-out sponge, not a swamp. They’ll wilt dramatically if they dry out (a little guilt trip from your plants!), but they bounce back fast with a good drink. Containers might need daily watering in hot weather, so check the soil with your finger about an inch down.

Feeding Frenzy: To keep those blooms coming, feed your ‘Celebration’ Impatiens every two weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer (half-strength is perfect). Something high in potash will encourage more flowers. You can also sprinkle a slow-release granular fertilizer at planting time for a low-maintenance boost.

Maintaining Tips to Keep the Party Going

Want your ‘Celebration’ Impatiens to stay in top form? Here are some simple tricks:

Deadheading (Optional): Unlike some diva flowers, these impatiens don’t demand deadheading. The old blooms drop off naturally, but if you want to tidy them up or encourage even more flowers, snip away the faded ones with your fingers or clean scissors.

Pinching for Plumpness: If they start looking leggy by late summer, give them a light trim—cut back the top third of the stems. This encourages bushier growth and a fresh flush of blooms. It’s like a little haircut to keep them looking fabulous!

Pest Patrol: Keep an eye out for aphids or spider mites, especially on new growth. A blast of water or a dab of insecticidal soap usually does the trick. Good air circulation helps, too—don’t crowd them too close together.

Winter Woes: Since they’re tender annuals (or perennials in zones 10-12), a frost will turn them to mush. If you’re in a colder area and want to save your favorites, take cuttings in fall or pot them up to overwinter indoors near a bright window or under a grow light.

Final Thoughts

The ‘Celebration’ Impatiens is more than just a pretty face—it’s a gardener’s dream come true. Its 2025 Flower of the Year status celebrates its ability to brighten shady spaces, its low-maintenance vibe, and its non-stop blooming power. Whether you’re a newbie with a single pot or a seasoned pro with a sprawling shade garden, this plant invites you to join the celebration. So grab some ‘Celebration’ Impatiens from your local nursery this spring, plant them with love, and watch your garden come alive. Happy gardening, friends—let’s make 2025 a year of color and joy!