Impatiens not looking so great

11 years ago

I started Impatiens from seed and transplanted into containers with ProMix BX in mid-May. I've never grown Impatiens before but I assumed they needed part sun (not full sun) so I left the containers on my front stairs which get direct sun only from about 1 pm until dusk. Although the growing mix feels dry (by lifting the containers) the surface of the mix doesn't make it appear that way because of the presence of algae. I would appreciate any pointers for next season. The photos taken below were taken right after I roughed up the algae layer with my hands. The soil does appear dry (I watered right after I did that). Only the last container looks half-decent. In each container I started off with two plants. Some as you can tell I've removed already because they've shriveled up.

Featured Answer

rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7

11 years ago

Impatiens Downy Mildew seems like a possibility, judging by the appearance of the plants. Contrary to what some people think (hope), seed grown impatiens are not immune to this ubiquitous disease.

Frankly, it's still the best policy to avoid Impatiens walleriana until researchers and breeders are able to 'invent' the right hybrid cross with resistance to the disease.

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Comments (11)

val (MA z6)
11 years ago
Some look like are doing pretty well; however, impatients prefer more shade, I believe. Mine do well on a mostly shaded deck corner.
arlene_82 (zone 6 OH)
11 years ago
I agree, the one in the tan pot especially looks pretty good. I have my impatiens in mostly shade, morning sun only, and keep them constantly moist. They seem to respond well to those conditions.
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ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
11 years ago
I assumed they needed part sun (not full sun) so I left the containers
on my front stairs which get direct sun only from about 1 pm until dusk.

==>>>

in my experience.. they are water hogs ... and hence part sun ... and never sun in the heat of the day ... never say 1 to 6 pm ...

and anything over 8 hours is full sun ...

i also think.. your only problem is you put tiny plants in huge containers ... SO IT APPEARS that they are not doing well ... as noted.. the smallest pot.. looks the best ...

any plant... they you cut a piece off ... and the stem seems to just be watery ... is a plant that needs to process a lot of water .. to remain turgid ... hold itself up ... if in too much sun.. it transpires more water than it can pump ... they they start looking limp ... and if you are just on the edge of that equation ... they recover as night.. when it cools off

if you are on the wrong side of the equation ... they do not recover over night...

frankly.. good work .. i think you are being overly critical of your success

ken
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Original Author
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
ok, I will increase watering and change the location to the back yard so they only get a few hours of morning sun
Tiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL
11 years ago
Hopefully it's just too much sun. Compare to downy mildew (not powdery mildew.) If so, you could try another kind, like New Guinea type, or something else like Begonias.
donna_in_sask
11 years ago
I quit growing impatiens after Downy Mildew struck in 2013...check under the leaf, if you've got DM, the leaf will be covered with a white powdery substance and they will drop off soon after. You cannot grow impatiens in that area for many years (unless it's the New Guinea kind).
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
11 years ago
i figured it out ...

part of your VISUAL problem ... is that you have a tall pot.. with a rather squat flower presentation ...

next year ... add a vertical .. like those grass spikes ...

and a trailer down ... like one of the annual ivies.. or potato vines ...

when designing ... think.. up.. down ... and all around.. lol ...

perhaps start a new post ... and title it.. something like ... what would you add to make this pot better ... and then take names ... that i am sure the others can give you ....

another way of saying it.. is that your monoculture needs perking up ...

ken
flowergirl70ks
11 years ago
There is a new one called Sunpatiens. they can take heat and sun. I found them at Walmarts.
Tiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL
11 years ago
I haven't bought any Impatiens walleriana the past few yrs either, not worth the risk.
southerngardening24
11 years ago
I have lost 3 of my seed grown impatiens to downy mildew so far this year.