The fast-filling bedding Impatiens walleriana, which all but vanished from summer shade gardens, is back, and without the risk of dying from downy mildew.
Intensive breeding efforts and collaboration between international seed breeders has produced two new varieties that are highly resistant to downy mildew. Like the original busy Lizzies, they flower from spring into winter, need no special care, and provide a swathe of colour in shady beds.
The new varieties are ‘Beacon’ and ‘Imara’. Both have gone through extensive trials overseas as well as in South Africa. ‘Beacon’ has so far proved to be the more resistant variety.
During plant trials in October last year, Ball Straathof planted ‘Beacon’ and ‘Imara’ between the susceptible ‘Super Elfin’ varieties. By January the ‘Super Elfin’ varieties had downy mildew and by the end of February had been decimated.
This story is from the September 2019 edition of The Gardener.
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This story is from the September 2019 edition of The Gardener.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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