How to Grow and Care for SunPatiens

SunPatiens is an impatiens hybrid that withstands full sun in containers and flowerbeds. Impatiens are one of the most popular annual flowers. However, the light requirements ofcommon impatienslimit where you can plant them. This hybrid between New Guinea impatiens and wild impatiens was bred by the Japanese company Sakata and introduced to the market in 2006.

SunPatiens have a long bloom period stretching from spring to fall until the first heavy frost arrives. The plants are typically larger, bushier, and bloom more prolifically than New Guinea impatiens and their thick petals and leaves make them more resistant to disease and damage.

SunPatiens Care

Here are the main care requirements for growing low-maintenance SunPatiens.

• Give SunPatiens ample sun whether planted in the garden or containers.
• Plant SunPatiens in rich, loose, well-draining soil that is not compacted.
• Water SunPatiens frequently to keep the soil hydrated but not soggy.

Light

SunPatiens do best in full sun where they produce more flowers. Partial shade with about four hours of direct sunlight does not affect their bloom, however, they do not grow well and don’t bloom in full shade.

Soil

Provide SunPatiens optimum growing conditions in soil that is rich in organic matter and well-aerated. Raised beds and containers work especially well.

Water

Water SunPatiens every day for the first two weeks they are planted to keep the soil moist. After their vigorous root systems have been established, water them when the soil surface feels dry, especially on hot, windy days. Container plants and hanging baskets need more frequent watering than garden plants, sometimes twice a day.

For SunPatiens in garden soil, consider drip watering the base of the plants instead of overhead watering to avoid wetting the foliage.Mulch around the plants to keep the soil cool and moist and suppress weeds.

Temperature and Humidity

SunPatiens do well in hot, humid weather. While you can plant them in the spring when the soil is still cool around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, wait to plant SunPatiens in the ground until all danger of frost has passed.

Fertilizer

SunPatiens do not need much fertilizer and too much burns the leaf tips.It is recommended to add a slow-release fertilizer into the topmost layer of thesoil before planting, using half of the strength indicated on the product label.

Types of SunPatiens

There are three series of SunPatiens that each come in this hybrid's range of popular colors but with different growth habits:

• Compact SunPatiens: This first series features dense, bushy plants reaching 18 to 24 inches tall and 14 to 24 inches wide. They are the best choice for container planting.
• Vigorous SunPatiens: This second series features fast-growing flowers with a vase shape habit that quickly covers a lot of space with a massive color display. They grow 30 to 36 inches tall and 24 to 30 inches wide. They are better suited than the compact series for heavier garden soil.
• Spreading SunPatiens: This third series of SunPatiens has a mounding habit and grows up to 30 inches tall and up to 36 inches wide with larger blooms spanning 3 inches across.

Propagating SunPatiens

SunPatiens is a registered trademark, which means that propagation is protected. Live plant parts, as well as rooted and unrooted cuttings, may not be used for propagation. The trademark is also the reason why you won’t find SunPatiens seeds for sale.

Potting and Repotting SunPatiens

Pot SunPatiens in a large container or hanging planter around 14 inches in diameter to allow growth but they have shallow roots so the pot doesn't need to be very deep. Make sure the pot has plenty of drainage holes at the bottom. Use ceramic or plastic because terra-cotta pots may dry out too fast for this plant. Use light, well-draining potting soil for containers. Before putting your SunPatiens in a pot, hydrate the roots.

If roots are poking through the drainage holes, it's time for repotting. Gently remove and repot the plant in a container a size up filled with fresh potting mix.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

The plants are bred for downy mildew resistance and they generally don’t have serious disease problems but they are potentially susceptible to impatiens necrotic spot virus, fungal blights, powdery mildew, and stem rot. Prevent stem rot by leaving a few inches of soil uncovered when you mulch around the plants.

Poorly drained, heavy, and compacted soils can lead to Rhizoctonia fungi and Phytopthora oomycetes.

Insects that can potentially harm the plant include aphids, mealybugs, thrips, spider mites, and whiteflies. Useinsecticidal soap to remove the pests.SunPatiens might also be eaten by slugs and snails, which can be handpicked off the plants or removed by natural methods such as salt or beer traps.

How to Get SunPatiens to Bloom

Bloom Months

SunPatiens bloom from mid to late spring until mid-fall or sometimes up until the first frost.

What do SunPatiens Flowers Look and Smell Like?

SunPatiens flowers are bolder and typically larger than traditional impatiens. The flowers bloom in colors from white to shades of pink, purple, lavender, orange, red, and coral. SunPatiens have a pleasant, sweet fragrance.

How to Encourage More Blooms

It helps to find the right balance of sun and shade for the best blooms without causing sun scorch to the plant. Also, do not let the plant dry out. Overfertilizing them can reduce their bloom.

Common Problems With SunPatiens

SunPatiens are meant to be easy to grow and maintain. As with any plant, there are bound to be a couple of minor issues so watch for these signs.

Plants Wilting

Wilting SunPatiens likely need water. The good news is that they will recover once you water them deeply and you won’t lose any flowers or buds but be careful that the flowers are not overwatered, either.

Leaves Turning Yellow

When SunPatiens' leaves yellow, it could mean the plant was overwatered, the plant needs a fertilizer with nitrogen, or too much mulch on the flower bed is causing stem rot.

Parts of Petals Turning White

The sun may have scalded parts of the petals to turn them white. Avoid overhead watering if your SunPatiens get a lot of sun during the day. When droplets of water are exposed to bright sunlight, it magnifies the sun's rays and "burns" the petals.

From: thespruce