Impatiens Imara XDR and Beacon Series
* Common name: Impatiens Imara XDR and Beacon series
Beacon impatiens growing in Penn State’s 2019 Trial Gardens.
* Botanical name: Impatiens walleriana
* What it is: Impatiens used to be America’s No. 1-selling summer annual flower until a deadly powdery mildew disease hit in 2012. Breeders have now developed two lines of traditional impatiens that naturally fight off the disease. Imara XDR debuted in 2019 in seven colors. Beacons are debuting in 2020 in seven colors.
* Size: 14 to 18 inches tall with a slightly larger spread.
* Where to use: Shady to partly shaded beds are best, such as along northern and eastern foundations or in wooded gardens. They’ll grow in sunnier spots, too, if the soil is kept damp. All are excellent choices for pots and hanging baskets in shady spots.
Impatiens Imara XDR Red.
* Care: Plant out after danger of frost passes in spring (mid-May or after). In pots and baskets, water daily when it doesn’t rain, and fertilize with a half-strength flower fertilizer every week or two. In the ground, fertilize monthly with a balanced, organic, or long-acting granular fertilizer formulate for flowers. Yank after frost kills plants in fall.
* Great partner: In a pot or basket, they’re strong enough to stand alone or to circle a shady centerpiece, such as caladium, dwarf papyrus, or schefflera. In the ground, they pair nicely with rounded shade-preferring evergreens, such as boxwoods or azaleas.