Impatiens

Impatiens is a beautiful annual that makes an excellent houseplant or summer bedding plant. It is also known as “Busy Lizzie” and its name is a Latin word that describes the way its seeds shoot out of its pods when ripe (the slightest touch can make a ripe impatiens seed pod burst open and scatter its seeds). Impatiens like shade and moisture.

PLANTING

  –  Plant impatiens transplants after the last spring frost in humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil. Make sure the plants have some shelter from the wind.
  –  The closer impatiens plants are, the taller they will grow, so space accordingly (impatiens plants can grown anywhere between 6 and 30 inches tall). For flower beds, plant 8 to 12 inches apart so the plants will stay low to the ground.
  –  You can mix in compost or a slow-release fertilizer before transplanting to help the plants.
  –  If you have impatiens plants in containers, use a sterile or soil-less growing mixture to ensure better drainage for the plants.

CARE

  –  The most important thing to remember about impatiens plants is to water them regularly. Keep them moist, but not too wet. If the plants dry out, they will lose their leaves. If you over-water the plants, this could encourage fungal diseases.
  –  Remember container plants will need more water.

The SunPatiens® Family

SunPatiens is a revolutionary new hybrid impatiens bred by Sakata. These remarkable plants represent a breakthrough in flower breeding:  robust, sun–loving, heat–loving impatiens that thrive in full sun or part shade and deliver continuous color from spring through frost. Whether used in baskets, window boxes, patio pots or in the landscape, these beautiful plants combine massive flower power with tough, low-maintenance plants that flourish almost anywhere.

 The SunPatiens family consists of three unique series, each offering a distinct growth habit that is perfect for nearly every garden application. Three season performance is the hallmark trait for all the series, so regardless of which variety you select, your SunPatiens will be covered with beautiful flowers from spring, through the torturous heat of summer, right up to the first hard frost.

” The SunPatiens family consists of three unique series”

Plant Focus – Bounce Impatiens

In years past, Impatiens were considered the epitome of a summer flower for shady locations. They featured long bloom time, ease of growing, and a punch of color. However, in the past few years they have also featured Downy Mildew, a disease that affects impatiens by causing leaves to turn yellow and the plant to die. Without any effective treatments and a spreading problem, the recommendation was to stop planting impatiens altogether.

In response, nurseries began breeding new plant material. They focused on new and improved varieties of Begonia, Sunpatiens, and Coleus, among other shade tolerant plants. Though this gave us options, what was missing most was the fantastic color selection that the impatiens had given us. That problem has been solved by the introduction of the Bounce Impatiens.

Bounce Impatiens are available in colors including: violet, lavender, lilac, cherry, and white. Their color options, however, are just one of the benefits of having this plant on the market. Bounce impatiens boast their large, bright, self-cleaning flowers on sturdy branches reaching a height of 20-30” at maturity. These easy to grow plants will “Bounce” back quickly after a dry spell or few missed waterings. Through the hottest days of summer, Bounce Impatiens will deliver the dramatic floral impact we love to see in a shade garden.