Impatiens--Downy Mildew

Over here in America we have our Impatiens with the downy mildew disease.
One of my favorite nurseries. Groff's Plant Farm in Quarryville, PA will not carry them this year, they project two years before we can use them.
Sad for me and my shade gardening as they are the only ones that I love to use.
He suggests: begonias and torenia as an alternative. I 've used the begonias before but in an area where there is some sun for a few hours daily, but they did not seem to grow much beyond original size. In any event looks like I will save money and time this year.

 

The Bizzie Lizzie mildew has basically stopped most sales in the UK . Last year the big retailers Homebase and B and Q did not stock them at all . I have grown , from mail order plugs , New Guinea Sunpatiens® for the last 2 years . These are an excellent plant , available in two sizes , compact and vigorous . The bigger one will fill a 35cm container.

 

Groff nursery did select the New Guinea, but I am hesitant to plant them in the front foundation area where the most shade lies. but with the word vigorous attached I might venture there. And I will look for the Vereronica at the nursery. Thanks all. Not planning on fussing with much "new" plantings until May 15 after our return from holiday. Still cleaning up and raking, the limbs and twigs everywhere, rake, rake, rake. Thank goodness we can burn here.

 

http://www.classiccaladiums.com/

Can you grow these instead or is it to cold ?? they love the shade

Very popular in America ?

Spruce

 

Sorry, can't grow Caladiums. However, we do by them from green houses already up. And I do have several of the "bulbs--roots" over with my garden friend up the street keeping in her basement for this years plantings in my pots. So probably end of May we will get them going. Or she might and then call me when ready. You think my gardens are big, should see her property, it is double my gardens.

 

John - I ordered Sunpatiens from this company Climbing plants direct , they also sell on Ebay at the same price . I was pleased with the quality. They do two types compact and vigorous in 5 or 6 colours . The vigorous will fill a 14" basket . They will flower through to November is sun or part shade. I think its a lovely trouble free plant

http://www.climbingplantsdirect.com/Category.asp?SearchText=sunpatiens

 

Does anyone know of any development on introducing mildew resistant Busy Lizzies
I would think that the first company to introduce a successful patented plant would make big bucks !

 

Well that has cheered me up no end Marley !
It sounds like the cheery Busy Lizzie is not going to be around for quite a few years

 

Was in Tesco this afternoon and was surprised to see them on sale in the store.