If you love impatiens but have a difficult time keeping them alive in hot, humid weather, then sunpatiens are the perfect plant for you! A hybrid of the impatiens plant, sunpatiens are much more tolerant of full sun and hot, humid conditions. Here are a few things you should know about this lovely plant.
Varieties of Sunpatiens
Sunpatiens come in a variety of colors including pink, red, purple, white, and orange. They also come in two different growth habits – compact and trailing. Compact sunpatiens grow to be 12-24 inches tall and wide and are well-suited for planting in containers or as border plants. Trailing sunpatiens can grow to be 24-36 inches tall and 3-4 feet wide and make excellent groundcover or hanging basket plants.
Care for Sunpatiens
Sunpatiens are relatively low maintenance plants. They prefer well-drained soil that is high in organic matter. If you live in an area with hot summers, it’s best to plant sunpatiens in morning sun and afternoon shade. During the hottest months of the year, sunpatiens will benefit from being watered twice a week. Fertilize your sunpatiens every 2-3 weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer to keep them looking their best.
Pest and Disease Problems
Sunpatiens are relatively pest and disease resistant but can sometimes be affected by aphids, whiteflies, or fungal diseases such as powdery mildew or leaf spot. These problems can usually be controlled with insecticidal soap or fungicide applied according to package directions.
If you’re looking for a plant that can tolerate hot, humid weather and still look beautiful, then sunpatiens are the perfect choice! Available in a variety of colors and growth habits, these lovely plants are relatively easy to care for and make an excellent addition to any landscape.
Do you love impatiens but hate having to replant them every year? If so, sunpatiens are the perfect solution! A variety of impatiens that blooms straight through from spring to autumn, sunpatiens are low-maintenance and easy to care for. Here are a few tips on how to incorporate them into your garden.
Choosing the Right Location
When selecting a location for your sunpatiens, be sure to choose a spot that gets plenty of sunlight. They will also need well-drained soil in order to thrive. If your yard tends to stay wet after a rainfall, you may want to consider planting them in a raised bed.
Preparing the Soil
Before planting, it is important to prepare the soil. This can be done by mixing in some organic matter, such as compost or manure. This will help the sunpatiens grow strong roots and produce beautiful flowers.
Planting Sunpatiens
Once you have chosen the perfect spot and prepared the soil, you are ready to plant! Sunpatiens are typically sold in flats or pots. When transplanting them into your garden, be sure to space them about 12 inches apart. Gently loosen the roots before placing them in the ground, and then water them well.
Caring for Sunpatiens
Sunpatiens are relatively drought tolerant and do not require a lot of water. However, they will need to be watered regularly during their first growing season until they are established. Be sure not to let the soil dry out completely, as this could cause the plants to wilt. Once they are established, you can reduce watering to once or twice a week, depending on rainfall levels.
Fertilizing Sunpatiens
Fertilizing your sunpatiens is important in order to keep them healthy and promote growth. A slow-release fertilizer should be applied once every two months during their growing season. Be sure not to overfertilize, as this could burned or damage the plants.
If you are looking for a beautiful addition to your garden that is easy to care for, sunpatiens are the perfect choice! Blooming from spring until autumn, these hardy plants require little maintenance and are perfect for even novice gardeners. So what are you waiting for? Head to your local nursery and pick up some sunpatiens today!