Impatiens downy mildew was first discovered in the UK in about 2003. I've never come across it, and can't recall seeing any letters from Gardeners' World readers about it...
During an enjoyable day scouring for new plants at a horticultural trade show last week, several growers told me about a devastating new fungal disease killing off busy Lizzies in parks and gardens up and down the country.
Impatiens downy mildew was first discovered in the UK in about 2003. I've never come across it, and can't recall seeing any letters from Gardeners' World readers about it. But growers I spoke to at the show told me vast bedding displays had been killed off completely by the disease. Symptoms appear to be stunted growth, yellowing and wilting leaves, followed by plants collapsing and dying. This is worrying growers, as there doesn't appear to be a cure.
If impatiens downy mildew is now established in the UK then gardeners may have to consider switching to alternative bedding plants. Clearly this also worries the plant breeders and growers who make a living out of developing and raising busy Lizzies.
At present it appears that impatiens downy mildew only infects varieties of Impatiens walleriana, the common bedding varieties most gardeners are familiar with. However, some varieties appear to be more susceptible to infection than others.
Thankfully there is some good news: New Guinea busy Lizzies are not prone to attack.
The wonderful variegated New Guinea Busy Lizzy called SunPatiens Spreading Salmon Variegated was one of the highlights of the Four Oaks Trade Show for me. Hopefully it will stay disease free for gardeners across the country to enjoy when it goes on sale next year.
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