Updated at: 30-08-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

They’re an impatiens hybrid that can handle full sun in containers and flowerbeds, making them ideal for the garden. A common annual flower, impatiens are a member of the peony family. Impatiens can only be planted in limited places due to their light requirements. They thrive in partial shade and should be shielded from direct sunlight to prevent sunburn on their leaves.

In 2006, Sakata, a Japanese business, developed and marketed SunPatiens, an impatiens hybrid derived from a cross between New Guinea impatiens and wild impatiens. One of the rare exceptions to this rule is the brand name of the plant. Impatiens SunPatiens are true sun-lovers, the first to grow in full sun.

Since they bloom all year, SunPatiens can bloom from spring until the first heavy frost of September. Compared to New Guinea impatiens, these plants are larger, bushier, and more prolific, and their thick petals and leaves make them more disease and damage resistant1.

SunPatiens Care

In addition to pots, window boxes, hanging baskets, and mass plantings, SunPatiens can also be used as an edging plant along garden paths or walkways because of their low-maintenance requirements. Planting them in soil that has been compacted by a lot of foot traffic is a consideration to keep in mind.

SunPatiens named Louisiana Super Plant

There is no need to replace anything else for late-season bloom because they have such a long bloom span from April to fall. It is not necessary to prune or deadhead blooms. Despite their perennial botanical status, most USDA growing zones treat SunPatiens as an annual.

Light

In full sun, SunPatiens grow more blossoms. However, they do not grow well and do not bloom in complete shade, thus partial shade with four hours of bright sunlight does not hinder their bloom.

Soil

Soil that is high in organic matter and well-aerated is ideal for growing plants. Particularly effective are raised beds and containers.

Water

SunPatiens should be watered every day during the first two weeks after planting, as much as necessary to keep the soil moist. The frequency of watering will depend on the weather conditions once their strong root systems have been created. The soil dries out more quickly on hot, windy days than on cloudy days. If you have a lot of container plants, such hanging baskets, you may need to water them twice a day.

Drip watering is the most effective method for SunPatiens in garden soil because it delivers water to the roots, rather than only the leaves, as is the case with overhead irrigation. Mulch around the plants to keep the soil cool and moist and to prevent weeds from sprouting.

Temperature and Humidity

In humid, hot temperatures, SunPatiens thrive. While you can plant them in the spring when the soil is still cool, around 55 F,2 the plants are very frost-tender and won’t tolerate frost.

Fertilizer

In humid, hot temperatures, SunPatiens thrive. In the spring, you can plant them in soil that hasn’t yet warmed up to 55 degrees Fahrenheit, but the plants are extremely frost-sensitive and can’t withstand freezing temperatures.

Types of Sunpatiens

When it’s hot and humid outside, SunPatiens do well. While you can plant them in the spring when the soil is still chilly, at 55 degrees Fahrenheit,2 the plants are extremely frost-tender and can’t withstand frost.

  • With a height range of 16-32 inches and a spread of 14-24 inches, Compact SunPatiens are thick, bushy plants. Planting in containers is made easier with the help of these.
  • Vigorous SunPatiens grow quickly and are ideal for quickly covering a large area with a vibrant color display. They can grow to a height of 24-48 inches and a spread of 24-31 inches. They are more suited to heavy garden soil and have nematode resistance than the other kinds.

How Far Apart to Plant Sunpatiens - GFL Outdoors

Propagating SunPatiens

SunPatiens is a trademarked name, and as such, its spread is restricted. Propagation with live plant parts, rooted cuttings, or unrooted cuttings is prohibited. SunPatiens seeds aren’t for sale because of the trademark.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

Impatiens necrotic spot virus, fungus blights, powdery mildew, and rot, such as stem rot, can all infect the plants, which have been engineered to be resistant to downy mildew. This can be avoided by keeping a few inches of soil uncovered when mulching.

When there is a lack of drainage, heavy and compacted soil, Rhizoctonia fungi can thrive.

Aphids, mealybugs, thrips, spider mites, and whiteflies are some of the insects that could potentially affect the plant. Slugs and snails could also consume them if they are left out in the open.

SUNPATIENS IN BASKETS AND CONTAINERS:

  • If you’re re-potting into larger containers or baskets, choose a soil that drains well.
  • At half the stated rate, apply a slow-release fertilizer to the soil (if the soil you are using does not already contain fertilizer).
  • Applying water-soluble fertilizer at one-third the label rates as needed is an alternative method of fertilization; avoid overfertilizing.
  • In either full sun or shade, place containers or baskets.
  • After planting, be sure to maintain the soil uniformly moist until the seedlings have a chance to establish themselves (7-10 days).
  • If your plants begin to wilt after they’ve been established, all you need to do is give them a good watering.
  • You don’t need to remove old blossoms or clip off older growth because new leaves and new flowers will cover them up.
  • The natural shape of most SunPatiens should not be altered by cutting them back in order to keep them in check.

SUNPATIENS IN THE GARDEN:

  • Soil rich in organic matter such as compost should be used when planting a tree or other plant.
  • When planting, use half the labeled amount of slow-release fertilizer.
  • Applying water-soluble fertilizer at one-third the label rates as needed is an alternative method of fertilization; avoid overfertilizing.
  • Plants can be grown in either full sun or partial shade.
  • After planting, be sure to maintain the soil uniformly moist until the seedlings have a chance to establish themselves (7-10 days).
  • If your plants begin to wilt after they’ve been established, all you need to do is give them a good watering.
  • Cut back the top one-third of growth of Vigorous SunPatiens if they get too tall in the middle or end of summer. This will keep them from becoming too elongated.

FAQ

Can you buy SunPatiens seeds?

No, due to the fact that the plants in question are protected by a trademark. Plant propagation is also prohibited.

Why are my SunPatiens wilting?

They’re probably thirsty. As long as you water them thoroughly, they’ll recover and you won’t lose any of their flowers or buds.

The proper grow and care guide for the Impatiens flower

Will SunPatiens survive winter?

It all depends on where you live. They can only live in zones 10-12 because they can’t withstand a heavy frost.

How far apart should SunPatiens be planted?

The plants will be shorter if they are spaced 2 feet apart. One foot apart, they’ll grow taller and more dense.

At the farm, you’ll see that I’ve planted SunPatiens wherever I could. Low-maintenance, sun or shade-loving plants. It’s easy to grow SunPatiens successfully with a few basic growing rules!