February
2001
Did you know that
Impatiens plant called "Erotas" in Greece by the name of the god of love?
Impantiens
Impantiens wallerana
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For
instant color, plant Impatiens en masse in shade gardens with Ferns and
Hostas, or in
containers and hanging baskets. These long-blooming annuals and perennials come in many
colors and forms, but the most popular and commonly-grown type is Busy Lizzie (I.
wallerana). As compact, mounding plants, they are covered with blossoms from late spring
to early fall. The New Guinea variety have larger but fewer flowers, variegated leaves and
need more sun than other types. Excellent as accent container plants. The more
upright-growing I. balsamina produces flowers along the main stem and
branches. All need
lots of water. Where summers are hot and humid, plant in full sun with adequate
water, but
better with some shade. In hot dry summer areas, plant in partial shade. Perennials grown
as annuals may survive mild winters, but replant in spring for vigorous,
generous-blooming plants.
Insider's secret
Impatiens does equally well in bright
indirect or curtain-filtered sunlight, in shade or in 14 to 16 hours of artificial light a
day. Night temperatures of 60° to 65° and day temperatures of 70° or higher are ideal.
Pot in 2 parts peat moss to 1 part packaged potting soil and 1 part sharp sand or perlite.
Keep moist; fertilize every two weeks. Propagate any time from stem cuttings or seeds.
Watch for aphids.
source:
http://www.botany.com/impatiens.html
http://www.ext.vt.edu/departments/envirohort/
articles/herbaceous_plants/impatns.html
http://www.oglevee.com/lasting_impressions_variety.htm
http://www.maasnursery.com/impatiens.htm
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