Exogenous SA as drought-ameliorating agent were studied in Impatiens walleriana.
PEG-induced negative effects on plant growth and physiology were counteracted by SA.
PEG treatment caused, while SA ameliorated oxidative stress in I. walleriana.
PEG and SA had opposing effects on the activity of antioxidative enzymes.
SA may be used for drought protection of I. walleriana with no negative effects.