Mildew threatens impatiens
America's favorite shade plant is in trouble.
Downy Mildew disease will be a major problem for the standard impatiens, Impatiens Walleriana, this year.
Many greenhouses will not have this plant available, and the nationwide production will be reduced by 75 percent.
I spoke to nursery associates at both Home Depot and Lowe's who said they would have impatiens, this year, but the associate at Lowe's stated that it may carry a limited inventory.
Experts recommend finding an alternative shade plant until a resistant impatiens cultivar is available.
Downy Mildew, a fungal disease, is caused by different species of fungi in the order of Erysiphales, the binomial name is Plasmopara obducens.
Downy Mildew is identified by a white powdery growth that starts on the underside of the leaves and spreads rapidly causing the plant to die.
It is spread though the soil and airborne spores, especially during periods of high humidity and moderate temperatures, and can remain in the soil over a mild winter.
The good news is that there are many beautiful shade plants that can be used as an alternative to impatiens in your garden.
One of my favorites is New Guinea Impatiens' Impatiens Hawkeri. This beautiful plant can be grown in either sun or shade and has more resistance to mildew than standard impatiens. New Guinea Impatiens are available in most of the colors of the standard impatiens and some cultivars have multicolored leaves. This plant is sturdy and does well in borders or in containers.
Another great alternative for your shade garden is the begonia.
I always thought these plants were boring but there are new cultivars on the market that are bright and beautiful.
Another great foliage plant that is sometimes overlooked is coleus; some have lime green, vermilion and orange leaves and a variety of leaf shapes that will add wonderful interest to your garden.
If you are gardening in partial shade and enjoy butterflies in your garden, then two more great choices are salvia salsa and nicotiana. Both of these annuals will provide blooms that butterflies love from early summer till frost.A less popular part shade plant is torenia or wishbone flower. This plant thrives in hot, humid weather.Torenia flowers resemble Snap Dragons and form a compact mound about a foot high with varieties of blue, pink, rose and purple available.The beautiful and delicate lobelia is also a great alternative for smaller containers and often will reseed.Although we will all miss the easy care impatiens in our gardens, this is a great opportunity to revisit some old favorites and try some new ones, too.Diane Walczak is a master gardener.
