http://www.thegardener.co.za I 53T
he 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.
‘Imara’ showed downy mildew spores on
the leaves and dropped the lower leaves but
kept its flowers. ‘Beacon’ did not show any
spores and maintained its neat habit. Both the
resistant varieties continued flowering into
the colder months, confirming their claims to
season-long colour.
Impatiens walleriana ‘Beacon’ grows
into a tidy, mounded plant 25 – 30cm high
and wide, with flowers carried above the
leaves. The initial flower colour range consists
of bright red, salmon, white, violet, orange
and coral. New colours will be introduced
annually. Plants are identifiable in stores from
other varieties by a ‘Beacon’ label.
Impatiens walleriana ‘Beacon’ Bright RedImpatiens walleriana ‘Beacon’ CoralImpatiens walleriana ‘Beacon’ Orange