IMPATIENS

Impatiens are spectacular in the garden from spring through to autumn. In frost-free gardens, they continue blooming into winter. They’re reliable, easy to grow and have a compact, self-branching growth habit. Local gardens have become reliant on these showstoppers, providing lasting colour for months on end.

Description:
• Propagated by cutting to ensure uniform growth
• Quick growing annuals (may last longer in warmer gardens) to 50 cm or more high with an equal spread
• Fleshy stems with mostly green leaves
• Large single flowers in abundance
• Wide colour range including white, red, orange, blushing pink and coral pink

Cultivation:
• Plant in sun or light shade
• Rich soil with added compost
• Feed week every 10 to 14 days with 3:1:6 water soluble plant food
• Prune old or leggy plants back to one third of height
• Replace plants when they get scraggly
• Require regular watering, especially in hot weather
• Frost tender

Garden uses:
• Good in pots and containers around pools and on patios
• Effective in large hanging baskets
• Dramatic planted in large flower beds
• Use for filling small spaces in gardens and rockeries
• Good colour impact in strategic “hot spots”
• Companion plants – coleus, angelonia, begonia big series