Best Not to Plant Impatiens!

Photos by Gail Anderson

By Gail Anderson, IGC Horticulturist

By now, we’ve all probably heard of the devasting Impatiens Downy Mildew (IDM) that causes wholesale death to Impatiens (Impatiens walleriana) in a matter of days. There is no cure for infected plants, and the disease can winter over in the soil. Suprisingly, reputable garden centers are still selling Impatiens. However, the best strategy is not to plant them at all.

When considering alternatives to Impatiens try to find plants that like part shade and have visual impact at a distance. Look not only for alternative flowering plants but also for ones with striking foliage. Here are some suggestions for season-long color:

ANNUALS
Coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides)
Choose varieties for part shade. For best viewing, avoid dark colors. Coral and chartreuse show well. Avoid very dry areas. Small plants available in six packs.

New Guinea Impatiens (Impatiens hawkeri)
Supposedly resistant to IDM. Brightly colored flowers closest match to Impatiens walleriana. Green leaved varieties show best. Avoid soggy soil. Available only as (more expensive) individual plants.

Wax Begonia (Begonia semperflorens)
Abundant small flowers. Green leaf (not bronze leaf) varieties show flowers best. Likes even moisture. Available in inexpensive six packs.

Reiger Begonia (Regonia x hiemalis) and Tuberous Begonia (Begonia x tuberhybrida)
Big, beautiful ruffled flowers in candy colors. Trickier to grow than Wax Begonias. Require even moisture (not dry or soggy) and good air circulation. Available only as (more expensive) single plants.

PERENNIALS
Coral Bells (Heuchera hybrids)
Forms a mound of jewel tone ruffled leaves. For best show avoid maroon and dark colors. Try coral colored ‘Caramel.”

Deadnettle, variegated (Lamium maculatum)
Green and silver variegated foliage. Groundcover. Small pink, lavender or white flowers in spring. Avoid green/gold varieties which tend to revert to all green. Dislikes drought.

Hosta, variegated (Hosta cvs.)
Well known bulletproof shade perennial. For best visibility choose white/green variegation.

Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechola macra cvs.)
Clump forming, broad blades, low weeping habit. For best visibility, choose chartreuse cultivars such as ‘Aureola’ or ‘All Gold.’ Dislikes drought.