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Impatiens (Super Finis) are the quintessential shade-garden annual, producing an unbroken carpet of delicate, flat-faced flowers in vivid shades of red, pink, orange, coral, and white from late spring until hard frost. In zones 9–11 they grow as tender perennials, but they're universally grown as annuals for their fast establishment and relentless blooming without deadheading. Super Finis is a compact series growing 8–12 inches tall, ideal for borders, shaded containers, and window boxes. Unlike impatiens of the past, modern Super Finis varieties have been bred with improved resistance to downy mildew — the devastating disease that wiped out impatiens plantings across North America in the early 2010s.
Plant Super Finis impatiens after all frost risk has passed in moist, well-drained soil enriched with compost. They perform in full shade to partial sun; avoid direct afternoon sun which bleaches flowers and wilts foliage. Space 10–12 inches apart. Water consistently — impatiens are not drought-tolerant and wilt dramatically if dried out, though they recover quickly with watering. Fertilize every 3–4 weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Deadheading is unnecessary — modern series are self-cleaning. Watch for downy mildew (a systemic disease causing leaf drop); improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering. In zones 9–11, cut plants back by half in late summer to refresh growth and extend their perennial life.
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