Popular Mother's Day Presents Threatened by Downy Mildew

The following was provided by Mahoney's Garden Centers, which has locations in Concord and Winchester.

One of the most popular annuals to plant each spring is Impatiens. For many, it’s a tradition to give a basket of Impatiens as a Mother’s Day gift, while for others it is the easiest way to enjoy color in their gardens all summer – even in the shade. However, this year, Impatiens are in danger of a nation-wide blight called downy mildew that can destroy these beautiful flowers.

Signs of this disease surfaced in 2004, and by last year it began to develop into a widespread catastrophe for gardeners and Impatiens growers alike.

“Our number one question last year from customers was ‘What’s wrong with my Impatiens?’” says Mike Mahoney of Mahoney’s Garden Centers. “We had to tell a lot of people that they were not bad gardeners or that the plants weren’t grown incorrectly at the nursery, but it was a widespread disease affecting many gardens throughout the nation. Unfortunately, this year it’s projected to be much worse.”

The disease is spread through airborne spores. It first shows as a yellowing and stunting of the Impatiens’ growth, followed by a white, powdery look to the underside of leaves. If your neighbor has it, your Impatiens will likely get it too. At the first sign of the disease, it’s best to completely remove the Impatiens, including the surrounding dirt, bag it and throw it away. DO NOT compost the diseased plant.