Sunpatiens Patio Rose Glow

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiosperms

Family

Balsaminaceae

Order

Ericales

Genus

Impatiens

Species

hawkeri

Description

A hybrid obtained through cross-breeding and selection from various wild species belonging to the genus Impatiens. It is a herbaceous plant, perennial in its native habitat but often grown as an annual in European gardens, with vigorous growth and an upright habit. It is one of the most widely used flowering ornamental plants, depending on the variety, both in large green spaces such as landscaped flowerbeds and roundabouts, and to enhance spaces such as terraces and balconies in planters and pots. Flowering continues uninterrupted from mid-spring until early to mid-autumn, producing a profusion of large, striking flowers of great aesthetic value. Sunpatiens is one of the New Guinea varieties, characterised by a particular resistance to direct sunlight. Belonging to the same botanical genus is Impatiens walleriana, known as the ‘glass flower’, a species also widely used for ornamental purposes.

Species video

https://youtu.be/aX3uyOvHllU

Variety description

Sunpatiens is the sun-tolerant variety of impatiens, but it adapts well to any position, even in the shade. It flowers continuously for 6 months. The Patio series is the latest addition to the Sunpatiens range and is the most compact series. Like other Sunpatiens, it can be considered the hardier evolution of the traditional New Guinea impatiens, thriving where the latter fails to produce satisfactory results. Even when grown in a greenhouse, it requires less energy to grow, adapting to temperatures 3°C lower than the New Guinea impatiens, but only exceptionally below 11–12°C. The Patio series also matures earlier than the Compact and Vigorous series and is easier to grow in a greenhouse without the use of growth inhibitors, whilst remaining naturally more compact. It is also ideal for repeated growing cycles right through to late summer, due to its ease of cultivation compared to the Compact series. This is the Sunpatiens recommended for all uses, including in pots on a windowsill, as it has less invasive roots that are easier to contain within the pot.

Curiosities and special features

The genus name, Impatiens, derives from ‘impatience’ in reference to the dehiscent capsule-like fruits which, when touched, release the seeds contained within, scattering them vigorously; for this reason, the species found growing wild in Italy is called Impatiens noli-tangere, which means ‘do not touch me’; the specific epithet, New Guinea, derives instead from the plant’s native range.

Origin and distribution

Belonging to the genus Impatiens, which comprises around 800 species native mainly to Asia and Africa; it was introduced to Europe in the 19th century and subsequently cultivated as Impatiens hawkeri, a species native to Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. Today, in America and Europe, it is one of the most widely cultivated ornamental plants. The varieties currently available on the market are hybrids, the first series of which dates back to 1972; they were produced through selection and cross-breeding of wild species belonging to the same genus, which were discovered in New Guinea during an American expedition.

Flower size

Large flower , medium-sized when compared to that of other varieties; New Guinea Impatiens often have larger flowers than the Wallerian species.

Leaf

Leaf has a lanceolate lamina.

Flowering period

The flowering period lasts from mid-spring to mid-autumn for between 180 and 200 days; this long flowering period makes it one of the best ornamental flowering plants, bringing colour and elegance to your gardens for almost three seasons.

Leaf colour

Solid colour.

Plant height

The plant ranges in height from 0.23 to 0.4 m; it grows and flowers profusely during the spring and summer, making it ideal for both pots and landscaping, including in mixed plantings.

Lifespan

A plant grown asan annual.

Where to plant

Its long-lasting and continuous flowering makes it ideal for decorating spaces and areas such as terraces, outdoor planters, borders, window boxes, large flowerbeds and roundabouts

Stem

Ithas a herbaceous stem;this variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is simple in shape, large to medium-sized, with plain petals. It flowers from mid-spring to mid-autumn, with a flowering period of between 180 and 200 days. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

Growth

Medium to vigorous Growth plant, appreciated by hobbyists, landscapers and gardeners.

Plant habit

This variety has an upright habit; when grown in uniform groups, it tends to form cushion-like clumps that are semi-spherical in shape and feature bright, vibrant colours.

Branching

The plant develops aprofuse branching pattern, giving it a pleasing decorative appearance, with patches of colourful flowers that are in formal balance with the foliage.

PH

The optimum pH of the soil or growing medium is between 5.8 and 6.5. High pH values can lead to iron deficiency, whilst a pH below the ideal minimum can result in excesses of iron and manganese.

Soil preparation

Before transplanting, lightly dig over the soil, removing weeds and any debris from previous crops, as well as stones or pebbles. Work in some organic or slow-release chemical fertiliser, and break up any large clods of earth. To ensure good drainage, create a raised bed by gently mounding the soil. Add a layer of professional-grade potting compost to the surface, about 5–10 cm deep, and level the soil surface thoroughly. These measures will ensure rapid root growth and the start of a long and abundant flowering period.

Sun exposure

It offers excellent vegetative Growth and flowering results when exposed to shelter from the wind in half shade, light shade, full sun.

Ideal climate and temperature

It prefers mild climates without sudden temperature changes. The ideal temperature is between 16 and 20 °C; within this range, it is at its most decorative. The temperature within which it can survive is between 2 and 40 °C

Use

Prised for its long-lasting and profuse blooms, it is an excellent choice for areas such as:

Outdoor ornamental landscaping Outdoor landscape design Landscaping

Hardiness

It is considered a moderately hardy variety, adapting to soil and climate conditions that are not always ideal for other outdoor ornamental species.

Soil

It prefers medium-textured, well-drained soil; for use in pots and planters a substrate for spring plants containing peat and perlite is recommended.

Difficulty

This variety iseasy to grow; whether in a flowerbed or a planter, it will thrive with simple maintenance and requiresvery little effort overall.

Growing tips

Here are some useful growing tips to help you achieve the best results in terms of growth and flowering:

Keep the growing medium dry at low temperatures It requires generous watering but without waterlogging

With these tips, you’ll also be better able to identify and manage the ideal planting site – one characterised by a mild climate without sudden temperature changes, as well as well-drained and fertile soil.

Combinations with other plants

It can be used in mixed or single-colour arrangements; colour combinations may feature shades of the same hue or an alternation of colours chosen from the various available varieties, creating patterns or designs according to personal preference and forming patches of colour or simple borders. We recommend combining it with Ageratum houstonianum, Begonia x hybrida, Canna indica, Coleus blumei, Euphorbia hypericifolia, Lobularia x hybrida, Salvia farinacea, Solenostemon coleoides, Zinnia elegans and Zinnia marylandica.

Even in a smaller space, such as pots or window boxes, it can be planted alternately with plants featuring decorative foliage, such as Senecio cineraria, or , as in a garden, by grouping varieties with flowers of different shades.

Planting

To allow each plant to grow as vigorously as possible, we recommend an average planting density of 18 plants per square metre in the bed, thus achieving a balanced and proportionate final arrangement. We suggest planting each seedling in a raised bed with the root collar above ground level, taking care not to damage the roots and avoiding burying the root ball completely; it should be well moistened. Finally, water immediately after planting, preferably in the morning.

Propagation

The most suitable method is propagation by cuttings, which involves taking sections of the stem and placing them in well-drained potting compost to root.

Watering

Use rainwater, or alternatively tap water with an optimally acidic pH, either by hand-watering or via an irrigation system. In the first few days following transplanting, maintain high soil moisture levels, whilst ensuring there is no waterlogging, to guarantee proper root development in the new planting site. Thereafter, allow the soil or growing medium to dry out slightly between waterings, taking care to avoid both periods of drought – which can lead to the loss of leaves and smaller flowers – and excessive watering, which can result in root rot, the loss of basal leaves and brown scorch marks on the apical leaves.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Fertilising

During soil preparation, carry out background fertilisation by burying slow-release organic or chemical fertiliser. During the spring-summer period, following proper post-transplant settling, apply a balanced liquid fertiliser specifically for ornamental plants to the medium or soil, to be diluted in the irrigation water according to the appropriate doses and frequencies as indicated on the relevant information label.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Pet safety

No toxicity to pets is known; assess the specific circumstances and consult your vet in the event of ingestion.

Edibility for humans

Inedible.

Toxicity for humans

Toxicity following ingestion is unknown; avoid ingestion.

Tip

The Sunpatiens ‘Patio Rose Glow’ is one of the most generous flowering plants when it comes to adding colour to any kind of space, and it also combines well in arrangements with vigorous, competitive plants. In full sun, the pink flowers take on subtle iridescent hues. Along with Sunpatiens Patio White and Orange, this is the Sunpatiens variety least affected by heat and direct sunlight. After repotting, water thoroughly for the first few days until the roots have established themselves. In general, Sunpatiens Patio varieties are amongst the most compact, repeat-flowering and hardy seasonal flowering plants, ideal for creating a low, colourful ground cover in front of more vigorous flowering plants, such as Sunpatiens Vigorous or Sensy White hybrid begonias.It is one of the most generous flowering plants for adding colour to any type of space and can be combined in arrangements even with vigorous, competitive plants. After transplanting, water thoroughly for the first few days until the roots have taken hold. S. Patio Pink Blush enhances flowerbeds when combined with other varieties featuring pastel-coloured flowers (ranging from light pink to purple) and the colourful foliage of Arabesque coleus. In a flowerbed, it benefits greatly from both soft potting compost and a base dressing that will last for at least 3–4 months. Both promote lush, vigorous growth. In planters, however, it is strongly recommended to use only good-quality potting compost.