Variegated impatiens offer a unique appeal, combining vibrant flowers with striking, multi-colored foliage. These plants are a popular choice for adding visual interest and brightness to shaded garden areas and containers. Their distinctive foliage patterns, often a mix of green, white, cream, or yellow, provide continuous appeal even when not in bloom.
Choosing and Planting Variegated Impatiens
Selecting healthy plants with vibrant foliage and no signs of wilting or discoloration is the first step. Variegated impatiens thrive in partial to full shade, protected from intense afternoon sun that can scorch leaves. While some newer varieties tolerate more sun, most variegated impatiens should avoid direct hot sunlight.
Impatiens prefer well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with ample organic matter. Amending the planting area with compost or well-rotted manure improves fertility and drainage, providing an ideal environment for root development. When planting, space variegated impatiens 8 to 12 inches apart to ensure adequate air circulation and deter disease.
Ongoing Care for Variegated Impatiens
Consistent moisture is important for variegated impatiens, as they are thirsty plants that do not tolerate dry soil. Soil should remain evenly moist, not waterlogged, to prevent root rot. Watering in the morning is beneficial. Newly planted impatiens may need daily watering initially, but established plants typically require watering weekly, or more frequently during hot, dry weather.
Variegated impatiens benefit from regular feeding. Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every four to six weeks is generally recommended. For container plants, more frequent fertilization may be necessary. Pruning involves deadheading spent flowers for continuous blooming and shaping plants for a bushy habit. Though typically annuals, potted variegated impatiens can be overwintered indoors in colder climates. Place them in a well-lit, cool spot, watering only when the top inch of soil is dry and avoiding fertilizer during dormancy.
Maintaining Vibrant Variegation
Maintaining the distinct variegation in impatiens requires attention to environmental conditions. Adequate light exposure is important; too much direct sun can scorch variegated portions, while insufficient light can cause variegation to fade or revert to solid green. Bright, indirect light is ideal, supporting unique color patterns.
Nutrient management also preserves variegation. High nitrogen fertilizers can promote excessive green growth, diminishing variegated areas. A balanced fertilizer or one with lower nitrogen helps maintain colorful foliage. If any stems or leaves revert to a solid green color, prune these off promptly. Reverted green growth is often more vigorous and can outcompete variegated sections, eventually dominating the plant. Pruning these sections back to where variegated growth is present helps the plant redirect energy to maintain its desired appearance.
Common Pests and Problems
Variegated impatiens can encounter several common pests and environmental issues. Wilting is a frequent problem, often indicating insufficient or excessive watering. Impatiens require consistently moist, not soggy, soil; both extremes cause wilting and leaf drop. Heat stress or too much direct sunlight can also cause plants to wilt, so relocate them to a shadier spot.
Common pests include spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. Spider mites, thriving in hot, dry conditions, cause speckled leaves and fine webbing. A strong water spray, increased humidity, or insecticidal soap can help. Aphids, tiny sap-sucking insects, cause distorted growth and sticky residue; control them with a strong water blast or insecticidal soap. Whiteflies also feed on plant sap, causing yellowing leaves.
Diseases like downy mildew, caused by a fungus-like water mold, can be a serious concern, causing yellow-green discoloration, downward curling leaves, and defoliation. If downy mildew is suspected, remove affected plants and ensure good air circulation. Yellowing leaves not related to variegation loss may indicate a nutrient deficiency, particularly nitrogen, or overwatering. Adjusting fertilization and watering practices can correct this.