Are you having trouble finding impatiens in garden centers this spring? Did the ones you planted last year struggle to grow or develop mildew?
The answer to both of these questions is that downy mildew infected the nation’s impatiens rootstock.
Numerous plugs and cuttings growers received last year were infected and those that weren’t soon were. This season, there is only a small stock of impatiens not infected, despite the best efforts of growers.
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Downy mildew is a disease affecting annual impatiens (walleriana) and several wild impatiens species. Infected plants drop their leaves and flowers, leaving bare stems that collapse.
The first sign of infection is white webbing on plant leaves. According to a recent article in Bloomberg News, the fungus was first detected in the U.S. in 2004 and is now found in 33 states.
If you see this white webbing on impatiens leaves, act fast and yank the plant and those around it. Photo courtesty of Purdue University.
Other annuals are also susceptible to downy mildew diseases, but not the strain that hits impatiens. However, there is strong evidence that the impatiens downy mildew strain survives in the ground over winter and can affect newly-planted impatiens the next season.
If your impatiens is infected with downy mildew, pull it out of the ground or container immediately. Put it in the trash; DON’T compost infected impatiens. The fungi will live through the heat of composting.
Shade Plant Alternatives
New Guinea impatiens is not susceptible to downy mildew diseases (it’s a different species) and makes a great substitute. Also, consider fibrous begonias and lobelia, both fast-growing annuals for the shade with plenty of colorful flowers.
New Guinea impatiens is not affected by downy mildew disease. Photo courtesty of Proven Winners.
Multicolored leafy annuals like coleus and caladium offer instant color when planted, too, and they love the shade. You can also dig up caladium bulbs in the fall, store them in peat moss in a dark closet and replant the next season.
Consider a colorful leafed alternative to impatiens in the shade, like these coleus. Photo courtesy of Rutgers University.
Doreen G. Howard
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I live in columbia South Carolina have this in large pot will it survive during winter?or do i need to bring in?
I'm through with the ever so lovely impatiences for the year 13, 14 was a disaeter .have the vedors found a cure? Why would they keep on selling them?
i am waiting for my crop to grow, they gave just started seeding
My Impatiens died off last year and this year. Is there anything I should do to the soil to prevent the spread of this for next years annuals. I plan to plant New Guineas next year.
Try solarizing your soil. Pull out everything from the ground, wet it well and cover with a sheet of clear plastic. Secure the edges with bricks, stones or boards. Let it set for six weeks while the sun bakes the soil. Temperatures will approach 200F and all bacteria, fungi and virus will be killed. Because your soil will be sterile next spring, be sure to add compost and organic matter to reintroduce the good bacteria and fungi that help plants grow.
I just bought a flat of impatiens this past weekend...are you saying they sold me bad stock? Should I return it before it is planted?
I planted hundreds of impatiens last year and lost them. Now i know why. I just love these plants. Are you saying that we shouldn't plan on growing them ever? How can I find a garden center that has impatiens not infected? Is there anything you can spray on them to prevent this? What if I grew them from seed?
I read that the seeds of impatiens (wallerina) are not infected with downy mildew disease--so far. You can try raising them from seed or use New Guinea impatiens or SunPatiens in their place. Both are disease-free, because they are a different species.
I thought New Guinea impatiens needed a bit more sun than standard impatiens, and did best with 4-6 hours of afternoon shade not full shade
New Guinea impatiens also do well in the shade. Flowers are smaller and plants don't spread as much. Just plant them closer in the shade. Sunpatiens, which takes lots of sun, can also be used in the shade in the same manner.
