Impatiens are under attack !

With last seasons major outbreak of Impatiens Downy Mildew in our landscapes, Impatiens, the most popular bedding plant in the country is under attack and experts agree that Impatiens will most likely fail again in 2013 as well.

Downy mildew's wind-blown spores allow this disease to spread rapidly bringing with it symptoms of  light green, yellowing of leaves that curl downward with a white downy-like growth on the undersides of the leaves causing stunting, leaf and flower drop, softening of the stems, and eventually plant collapse and death.

With that said, don't despair, my goal is to make sure you are successful in your garden so I would like to share some great flowering alternatives to plant in your garden beds and containers instead of your beloved Impatiens.  Begonias come in a variety of colors and leaf type, like the non-stop Begonia or wax Begonia, great for a shady spot or partial sun area. Flowering Vinca is another good alternative for you especially in the heat of the summer when it thrives.

New Guinea Impatiens seem to be resistant to powdery mildew and will thrive in the heat of the season as well. Sunpatiens, seen to be resistant to the disease, are a fairly new breed of Impatiens and are great for both full sun and shade. Depending where you are putting them look for the landscape or compact varieties. Coleus is also an amazing alternative bringing intense foliage color from the hundreds of varieties available on the market.

The last one I love is Caladium, another foliage favorite of mine that can happily brighten up a shady spot.Even so, unfortunately until the plant breeders develop a more resistant Impatien to put on the market, I'm afraid we won't be seeing too many, if any, of those colorful shady staples in our landscapes for a while.