This blog will cover shade impatiens, Sunpatiens are discussed here.
You know that Impatiens are wonderful ground covers, putting forth a fantastic display of flowers. However a few years ago a fungal disease called Downey Mildew decimated plants with leaves falling off first and then a general plant collapse. There is no cure at this time although the industry has tried different fungicides with no real answer. You might have bought plants from a unknowing greenhouse or the disease traveled into your yard riding the winds. I have heard stories that constant inbreeding of certain Impatiens strains allowed weaknesses in natural protections, similar to breeding within English royalty led to problems with the offspring. Here a great articles and some helpful hints. There are plenty of customers that do not have mildew issues so you may not need to avoid Impatiens walleriana totally.
Switch to other varieties of flowers if you have had Downey Mildew or want to avoid possible replacing plants with coleus, sunpatiens, begonia, nemesia or ask our helpful staff for more choices.
To avoid water mold problems please irrigate your bedding plants with an open hose around the base of the plants never overhead or late in the evening. Leaves should be dry at sunset. Inspect plants for aphids and spray with these type of products.
Watch for aphids (in the growing tips) and spiders mites (underside of leaves or webbing) and spray accordingly with Bayer Advanced products (we do not sell insecticides)
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