Sunpatiens ‘Compact White’ at Dallas Arboretum

Sunpatiens™ live up to all their hype, with a caveat. They are still impatiens, which means they love (and can’t go without) water. In the Southern Appalachian region (USDA zones 6 and 7), Sunpatiens prosper in direct full day sun to part shade, but can’t go without weekly watering. The flower bed should be mulched and irrigated immediately following planting to shade roots and get transplants off to a vigorous start.

Sunpatiens are best planted immediately after the last spring frost date. This gives them enough time to establish in the landscape before the dog days of summer. Again, the goal is for the foliage to shade roots over the summer. Late plantings in June do not perform as well as late April and May settings.

Plant Sunpatiens in a well-drained, compost-rich soil and feed them with a 5-6 month rated slow release fertilizer at label rates. Established plants grow 36-48 inches tall and 36 inches wide. Setting on 14” to 20” centers will provide an impressive floral display in front of your home or business.

Once planted, it’s critical that Sunpatiens are plugged into a regular irrigation schedule. Extra watering in mid-summer may be necessary when natural rainfall is exceptionally low. Sunpatiens flourish under hot summer heat and tolerate light frost in the autumn. Their thicker flower petals and foliage seem less prone to disease.

Sunpatiens mimic New Guinea impatiens in appearance, but are alot more heat tolerant. At this time color choices for Sunpatiens are limited, with more coming every year.