Louisiana Super Plants: Beacon Impatiens

Jeb Fields, Edwards, Ashley, Thiessen, Maureen

bannerpng

Impatiens walleriana

  • Recommended Use: Warm-season bedding plant, containers, hanging baskets
  • Exposure: Shade to partial shade
  • Size: Height: 14 to 18 inches tall; 12 to 14 inches wide
  • Habit: Mounded, upright
  • Bloom Time: Spring to late summer
  • Maintenance Category: Low
  • Water Use: Moderate
  • Highlights: High resistance to Impatiens downy mildew, season-long color, shade color and vigorous growth.

7hR1SU1Qjpg

Impatiens Beacons violet shades, bright red, coral, rose and white.


Summary

Impatiens are one of the most popular bedding plants in the United States because of their wide-ranging color availability and tolerance of shade. Because they flower reliably from spring until the beginning of the cool season, they are a great way to add color to hardscapes in pots and baskets or to liven the oft-green color palette of many shade gardens. They also attract pollinators and beneficial insects. Because impatiens are historically very susceptible to downy mildew, their usage has declined over the last decade, especially in the humid Gulf South. The award-winning variety Beacon impatiens is said to “bring flower color back to shade gardens everywhere” because of its high resistance to impatiens downy mildew. In the AgCenter trials, Beacon impatiens showed vigorous growth and high flower density with very few disease or pest issues. Available colors include red, shades of pink, white, orange and violet.

Requirements

  • Beacon impatiens can be purchased as seed or transplant.
  • Prepare beds by incorporating bark or compost and general-purpose fertilizer into the top 2 inches of soil.
  • Plant transplants in April through August in partly shady areas with adequate drainage and high organic matter.
  • Optimal soil pH is 5.5 to 6.5.
  • Space plants 8 to 12 inches apart in the landscape; also suitable for planting in containers, window boxes and hanging baskets.

Growth Habit

  • Beacon impatiens have a mounding and upright habit, reaching 14 to 18 inches tall and 12 to 14 inches wide.
  • Suitable as a ground cover, border plant, for container gardens or in hanging baskets — any shady spot where color is desired.

Care and Maintenance

  • Impatiens require an even supply of moisture, so do not allow them to dry out. Container plantings will require daily watering during the summer. Mulching around the base of the plant helps to retain soil moisture.
  • Higher sun exposure will increase water needs.
  • Apply general use fertilizer every eight weeks during the growing season to ensure continuous blooms.
  • Deer may browse on impatiens, so consider planting in protected areas if deer frequent your yard.
  • Deadheading is not necessary.

Varieties for Louisiana Landscapes

Beacon impatiens are currently available in seven different colors, including bright red, violet shades, salmon, coral, orange, white and rose, all of which perform fantastic in Louisiana landscapes. You can also find Beacon impatiens available in different mixes to bring a unique burst of color to any shady area.

6/7/2021 4:25:42 PM
Rate This Article:

Have a question or comment about the information on this page?

Innovate . Educate . Improve Lives

The LSU AgCenter and the LSU College of Agriculture

Top