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Coming in a spectrum of pink, red, rose, white, salmon, coral, and lilac—Sunpatiens, an improved version of classic impatiens, are the ideal flower for color right through into our first hard frost. This low-maintenance, vigorous grower is perfect for containers or masses of color, and they love our hot, humid Arkansas summers.
Gardeners across the continent have been growing impatiens for generations. They are one of the most popular annuals, in standing with petunias and begonias. Since they originally grew on shady forest floors, traditional garden impatiens are better suited to the shade, and would not last quite as long in full-sun areas. Sunpatiens were developed by the plant breeder Sakata Ornamentals to bring the beauty of impatiens to sunnier spots during the hottest times of the year.
Are Sunpatiens the same as impatiens?
Sunpatiens are a new variety of impatiens that have been bred to enjoy full-sun and part-shade. They’re a cross between a traditional species of impatiens from Indonesia and a larger, heat-loving breed native to New Guinea. The result is a flower that enjoys light exposure and hot, humid conditions while displaying the same impressive blooms.
Compact Sunpatiens are ideal for pots or any flower bed where you need a more compact size. They thrive in high heat and in full sun or partial shade, displaying blooms all the way into the fall. Deadheading is not necessary for most of these easy-growing and low maintenance flowers. Here are a few varieties:
Compact Magenta grows to a height of 14-32” and a spread of 24-36” in a mounded form. They are an ideal flower for adding vibrant pink-red hues into the garden.
Compact Tropical Rose grows to a height of 16-30” and a spread of 14-20”. Their variegated green and yellow leaves give an extra reason to catch your attention.
Other colors include Royal Magenta, Pink, Blush Pink, Coral Pink, Deep Rose, Electric Orange, Red, Fire Red, Hot Coral, Lilac, Orange, Orchid Blush, Pink Candy, Purple, and White.
Vigorous Sunpatiens are a fast-growing type that holds up well in rain and wind, and fill in quickly. Like the compact ones, they flourish in hot summers, adapt well to full sun or partial shade, and can withstand downy mildew.
Vigorous Lavender blooms throughout the spring and summer, as it grows energetically to a height of 24-40” and a width of 15-18”.
Vigorous Tropical Orange spreads its stunning blossoms up to 36” high and 30” wide with yellow and green leaves below.
Other colors include Clear White, Orange, Orchid, Pink Kiss, Lavender Splash, Red, Rose Pink, Shell Pink, Tropical Salmon, and Tropical White.
Soil Requirements: Sunpatiens like well-drained, porous soil. Heavy clay-based soil can swamp the roots with water and should be amended with organic matter, such as peat or compost. To keep the flowers happy, avoid stepping in the beds after transplanting as they are sensitive to heavy foot traffic.
Light Exposure: They thrive in various light, enjoying full sun (six hours or more), and do equally well under a large canopy or on the north side of your home.
Watering: For the first weeks after transplanting, make sure to water them regularly. It’s best to do so in the morning or evening when the plants aren’t under heat stress. A light layer of mulch will help them retain that precious moisture.
Spacing: When planting into your garden bed, space them 18-24” apart to give them room to fill in. They’ll do equally well in pots, where you can plant them close together to take advantage of their beautiful range of colors.
Drop by our garden centers in Northwest Arkansas to see what varieties we have in store!
