previous Hutchinson Farm Flower Guide next Impatiens Photo: Assorted Impatiens, David MacTavish, Hutchinson Farm #2 Greenhouse, Burlington, ON, May 12 2011 (Rebecca MacTavish, aged 9)

Grown at Hutchinson Farm since 1982. Limited availability May 2020 in 4½" pots.

Once the most popular bedding plant of all, impatiens all but disappeared in 2016 due to the downy mildew out break. Breeders went to work and in 2020 disease resistant varieties became available to all growers.

• Description
  
  Winter Hardiness: Annual (very frost sensitive)
  Light Requirements: bright shade - part sun
, avoid hot afternoon sun
  Where to plant: flower beds, containers, and hanging baskets

  Height: 10 - 16"
  Width: 10 - 16"

  
  
  
• Garden Performance
  The go to plant for shady areas. However we have to say SunPatiens do equally well in shady spots and put on a bigger show.
  
  
• Growing Guide
  Impatiens are just about the easiest flower you can grow.  Watering is crucial -try to avoid neglect to the point of droopy wilt, they will come back, but they will drop their flower petals. Bright shade, and some sun is ideal. Famous for being a shade plant, if the conditions are not light enough, impatiens will get leggy, and not bloom very much. Impatiens will grow in almost total sun, but they require lots and lots of water -there are lots of sun-loving plants better suited to hot sunny locations. Plant about 8 -12" apart. Fertilize lightly.
  
  
• Colours and Varieties
  
  We are trialing two series in 2020. This year we will evaluate the colours and growing habits of these new varieties, and if we're happy with them, we will grow more in 2021, many in hanging baskets and pouches. Please note, we will not be offing flats of impatiens.
  
  
• Beacon Mix (7 colours)
  Imara Mix (6 colours)