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SunPatiens are happy growing in bright sunshine

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Know It and Grow It
Lead Summary
By
George Bonnema, Luverne Horticulturalist

A relatively new annual flowering plant I’d like to feature today is the SunPatiens. Impatiens have been the flowering annual of choice for shade areas, but the old varieties were not happy growing in bright sun. This ”new and improved” class is happy, in fact, prefers bright sun.
There are three classifications:  spreading, compact, and vigorous.  Compact varieties will grow 12 to 14 inches tall and about 10 inches wide. The spreading type will grow 12 to 14 inches tall, but their width will exceed their height. And then we have those vigorous varieties that perform just as implied … 24 to 30 inches tall and wide. The vigorous plants are best used in ground beds because they will totally dominate a planter. (I proved that to myself last summer.)
The color palate is typical for impatiens, but the real blessing is that these plants are resistant to downy mildew, which is a new fungus that is fatal to the old varieties. As I mentioned, they enjoy sun but will be a disappointment in total shade. Their continuous color and tolerance of our typical summer heat and humidity make them one of my top picks.
Pentas are another annual (one season) plant that has been introduced in recent years. The colors are red, rose, pink, and white. The flowers are star-shaped and grow in clusters. These plants are compact and flower continuously but benefit from having old flower heads removed.
Growth is mounded, about 8 to 10 inches high and wide. Pentas are excellent candidates for planters because they are well-mannered, not crowding their neighbors.  Full sun is essential for maximum color.
I have daffodils blooming everywhere in my yard … such a welcome sight from my windows! These cold, early morning temperatures don’t seem to deter them; in fact, the cool is better than hot. I’ll just appreciate the view and be thankful that winter is behind us.

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