9 Types Of Impatiens That Resist Downy Mildew

While there are lovely replacements for your shade garden, including fuchsias, begonias, and coleus, you shouldn’t give up on the possibility of growing impatiens. Horticulturists are always developing new varieties, including some that are highly resistant to downy mildew. Impatiens walleriana continues to be the subset of impatiens that are affected by downy mildew, but gardeners can circumvent the disease by planting improved New Guinea impatiens Impatiens hawkeri varieties bred to exhibit increased blooming and a more compact habit. These nine impatiens varieties will thrive in your borders, window boxes, and hanging baskets while resisting downy mildew.

Native Area: Nursery hybrid; parent species are native to India, New Guinea, and the Solomon IslandsUSDA Growing Zones: 10–11; grown as annuals elsewhereHeight: 15–21 inchesSun Exposure: Partial to full shade

Native Area: Nursery hybrid; parent species are native to New Guinea and the Solomon IslandsUSDA Growing Zones: 10–12; grown as annuals elsewhereHeight: 10–14 inchesSun Exposure: Partial shade

Native Area: Nursery hybrid; parent species are native to New Guinea and the Solomon IslandsUSDA Growing Zones: 10a–11b; grown as annuals elsewhereHeight: 18–48 inchesSun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Native Area: Nursery hybrid; parent species are native to New Guinea and the Solomon IslandsUSDA Growing Zones: 10a–11b; grown as annuals elsewhereHeight: 1–3 feetSun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Native Area: Nursery hybrids; parent species are native to New Guinea and the Solomon IslandsUSDA Growing Zones: 10a–11b; grown as annuals elsewhereHeight: 1–3 feetSun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Native Area: Nursery hybrids; parent species are native to New Guinea and the Solomon IslandsUSDA Growing Zones: 10–12; grown as annuals elsewhereHeight: 10 inchesSun Exposure: Partial to full shade

Native Area: Nursery hybrids; parent species are native to New Guinea and the Solomon IslandsUSDA Growing Zones: 10–11; grown as annuals elsewhereHeight: 10–14 inchesSun Exposure: Partial to full shade; tolerates full sun if watered frequently