Re: Impatiens Downy Mildew

**E* Z* <e*@acmeplant.com>**

It's not just that people are resistant to change (which of course they are, myself included), but nothing blooms in deep shade like impatiens.  Nothing.  I've tried everything I've been able to get my hands on, but in NYC brownstone gardens, surrounded by high-rises, where you get maybe a half hour of direct sun in summer...only Impatiens walleriana has never let me down.  Didn't use them last year because of the mildew problem and my clients felt their loss.  Browallia, Nicotiana, Begonia, Torenia...nowhere near the bloom quantity of Impatiens.  Yes, I know you can get color from foliage, but some clients insist on flowers and it's my job to give them what they want...whenever possible!

LN

On Feb 1, 2013, at 12:02 PM, Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp wrote:

> I agree we must give gardeners some good alternatives to impatiens...especially for really shady area. But I'm sure you know, C.L., that convincing people that coleus, begonias, torenias, nieremberia (which you can hardly find anymore), caladiums are a great substitute can be difficult. Recent improvements in the waxleaf and hybrid begonis help, but it will take the public a while to get used to the new look of the shade garden without impatiens.
> 
> jems
> 

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