Nothing beats impatiens

COLOURFUL: ADD SOME PIZZAZ TO YOUR GARDEN WITH A DISEASE-RESISTANT VARIETY OF THIS POPULAR PLANT

They are robust growers and will flower right up to the first frost of winter.

Nothing beats impatiens for colour in shady summer gardens. Traditional bedding impatiens do best in spring and early summer, followed by New Guinea impatiens that like hotter weather and flower through to winter.

Then there are new interspecific varieties that are disease resistant and range from low and spreading to large and bushy. us, azaleas, fuchsias, and as fillers around tropical leafy plants like philodendrons, delicious monster and alocasia.

Plants are only susceptible to downy mildew when hot humid days give way to cool nights because of long rainy spells. The dryer the season, the less likely they will be affected by downy mildew.

Interspecific impatiens, or “Bounce”, performs exactly like the Super Elfin with low, spreading growth (35 -50cm high and wide) that produces a dense bed of colour. The name comes from its ability to “bounce back” after wilting in dry conditions with no burnt leaves or lost flowers.

It is downy mildew resistant because it includes the downy mildew-resistant New Guinea impatiens in its genetic mix.

Growing tips:

Plant in fertile soil that drains well, in semi-shade or dappled sun; but not deep shade as they get leggy.

Water in the morning or early afternoon so that leaves are dry by nightfall. This helps prevent fungus disease. Too much water and food may produce leafy plants at the expense of flowers.

Reduce feeding if plants are getting too leafy.

Enrich beds with compost (to also aid drainage) and mix in a controlled release fertiliser. and– 90cm wide) so fewer plants are needed to fill in landscapes. They are also good feature plants for large containers.

The range of colours is increasing and plants seem to be impervious to snails. They are robust growers, are not affected by downy mildew and will deliver continuous colour from spring, all through summer and right up to the first harsh frost of winter.

Growing tips:

Plant in full sun. Will need to be watered more often, even daily in midsummer.

Occasional pruning can help to ensure they are attractive, colourful and bushy all season.