Impatiens plants

Question

All of the sudden, last year, the huge impatiens died. My neighbor said I should have cut the plants back in July. Two questions… 1) What did I do wrong that they died in my hanging baskets (which the garden center said I should keep moist by putting a half to full gallon of water on daily), and 2) Should they have been cut back?

Answer 1

Your impatiens plants may have been overwatered. Most plants don't need to be watered every day, except possibly during hot and dry summer conditions. To decide when to water, feel the surface of the soil and water thoroughly when it is dry. Also make sure your soil and the container are well drained.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/signs-of-plants-affected-by-too-much-water.htm

It is not necessary to cut back impatiens, but you can cut them back to improve appearance if desired. There are other possibilities for why the plants may have died, like diseases, so it might not be anything you did.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/impatiens/impatiens-downy-mildew.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/impatiens/growing-impatiens-flowers.htm