Where Are White Impatiens? Finding and Growing These Elegant Blooms

White impatiens, with their delicate petals and cheerful disposition, are a popular choice for adding brightness and elegance to shady gardens. But finding them, especially healthy and thriving specimens, can sometimes feel like a treasure hunt. White impatiens are typically found in garden centers, nurseries, and online retailers that specialize in bedding plants, particularly during the spring and summer seasons. Their availability depends on several factors including geographic location, season, and the prevalence of impatiens downy mildew.

Understanding Impatiens and Their Popularity

Before diving into where to find white impatiens, it’s essential to understand what makes them so desirable. Impatiens, scientifically known as Impatiens walleriana, are prized for their continuous blooming habit, their ability to thrive in shade, and their vibrant colors. While available in a spectrum of hues, white impatiens offer a classic, understated beauty that complements any garden design. They’re often used in borders, containers, hanging baskets, and as ground cover under trees.

The Downy Mildew Challenge

However, the popularity of impatiens took a hit with the emergence of impatiens downy mildew, a devastating disease that can quickly decimate entire plantings. This disease, caused by the oomycete Plasmopara obducens, has drastically reduced the availability of traditional Impatiens walleriana in many regions. As a result, many garden centers now stock disease-resistant alternatives or focus on other varieties of impatiens, such as SunPatiens, which are bred to be resistant to downy mildew and tolerate sunnier conditions.

Where to Locate White Impatiens

Given the challenges posed by downy mildew, finding white impatiens requires a strategic approach. Here’s where to look:

• Local Garden Centers and Nurseries: This is your first and most reliable stop. Call ahead to inquire about their stock, specifically asking if they carry white Impatiens walleriana or disease-resistant varieties with white blooms. Many garden centers actively avoid stocking susceptible plants or may only carry them early in the season with a strong caveat about potential mildew issues.

• Specialty Nurseries: Nurseries that specialize in bedding plants or annuals are more likely to carry a wider selection, including less common colors like white. They may also have more knowledgeable staff who can advise you on disease-resistant alternatives.

• Online Retailers: Numerous online retailers, including major companies like Amazon and smaller specialty nurseries, ship plants directly to your door. Be sure to check reviews and shipping policies before ordering, as plant quality can vary significantly. Look for retailers that offer guarantees on plant health.

• Farmers Markets: Some farmers markets feature local growers who may offer a variety of annuals, including impatiens. This is a great way to support local businesses and potentially find unique or heirloom varieties.

• Plant Swaps and Sales: Keep an eye out for local plant swaps or sales organized by gardening clubs or community groups. You might be surprised to find someone willing to share their white impatiens.

• Seed Companies: If you’re patient and enjoy the process of starting plants from seed, you can purchase impatiens seeds online or at garden centers. This gives you the widest selection of varieties and colors, but requires more time and effort. Be aware that some downy mildew spores can be seedborne.

Tips for Finding Healthy Plants

When searching for white impatiens, keep these tips in mind:

• Look for healthy foliage: Avoid plants with yellowing leaves, spots, or signs of mildew (a white, fuzzy growth on the undersides of leaves).

• Choose plants with buds: Plants with unopened buds will provide you with a longer blooming period.

• Inspect the soil: The soil should be moist but not soggy. Avoid plants sitting in standing water.

• Ask questions: Don’t hesitate to ask the staff at the garden center about the plant’s history and care requirements.

Disease-Resistant Alternatives

If finding traditional white impatiens proves difficult, consider these disease-resistant alternatives:

• SunPatiens: These impatiens are bred to be resistant to downy mildew and can tolerate more sun than traditional impatiens. They come in a variety of white shades.

• New Guinea Impatiens: While also susceptible to downy mildew, New Guinea impatiens are generally more resistant than Impatiens walleriana. They also tend to have larger flowers and foliage.

• Begonias: Fibrous begonias and wax begonias offer a similar look and feel to impatiens and are highly resistant to downy mildew. They also come in a variety of white shades.

• Coleus: While not flowering plants, coleus offer colorful foliage in a wide range of patterns and colors, including varieties with white or cream-colored accents. They thrive in shade and are easy to grow.

FAQs About White Impatiens

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to help you successfully find and grow white impatiens:

1. Are white impatiens difficult to grow?

Generally, no. White impatiens are relatively easy to grow if provided with the right conditions: shade, well-drained soil, and consistent moisture. The main challenge is preventing or managing downy mildew.

2. What kind of soil do white impatiens need?

White impatiens prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Amend heavy clay soils with compost or other organic amendments to improve drainage.

3. How much sunlight do white impatiens need?

White impatiens thrive in shade to partial shade. They can tolerate some morning sun, but avoid planting them in locations that receive direct afternoon sun.

4. How often should I water white impatiens?

Water white impatiens regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. The soil should be consistently moist but not soggy. Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger into the soil – if it feels dry, it’s time to water.

5. How do I prevent downy mildew on white impatiens?

• Choose disease-resistant varieties.
• Provide good air circulation by spacing plants appropriately.
• Avoid overhead watering, as this can create a humid environment that favors fungal growth.
• Remove and dispose of any infected plants immediately.
• Consider preventative fungicide applications, although efficacy can vary.

6. Can I grow white impatiens in containers?

Yes, white impatiens are excellent choices for containers and hanging baskets. Use a well-draining potting mix and ensure the container has drainage holes.

7. Do white impatiens attract pollinators?

While not as attractive to pollinators as some other flowering plants, white impatiens can attract small bees and other beneficial insects.

8. How long do white impatiens bloom?

White impatiens typically bloom continuously throughout the summer and into the fall until the first frost.

9. Do I need to fertilize white impatiens?

Yes, fertilize white impatiens regularly with a balanced liquid fertilizer, following the instructions on the product label.

10. How do I propagate white impatiens?

White impatiens can be easily propagated from stem cuttings. Take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy stem, remove the lower leaves, and place the cutting in water or moist potting mix until roots develop.

11. Are white impatiens deer resistant?

White impatiens are not deer resistant and are often browsed by deer. Consider using deer repellent or fencing to protect your plants.

12. Can I overwinter white impatiens?

White impatiens are annuals and will not survive freezing temperatures. However, you can take cuttings in the fall and root them indoors to overwinter as houseplants.

13. What are some companion plants for white impatiens?

Good companion plants for white impatiens include:

• Hostas
• Ferns
• Coleus
• Begonias
• Torenia (Wishbone Flower)

14. Are white impatiens toxic to pets?

White impatiens are considered to be mildly toxic to pets if ingested. Contact your veterinarian if your pet consumes a large quantity of the plant.

15. Why are my white impatiens dropping their buds?

Bud drop in white impatiens can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Insufficient watering
• Excessive heat
• Lack of fertilizer
• Pest infestations
• Downy mildew

By understanding the needs of white impatiens and taking steps to prevent disease, you can enjoy their delicate beauty in your garden.