If you’ve been having problems with your Impatiens this year, you’re not alone. We’ve received a number of reports from gardeners who are finding that leaves are turning yellow and are being shed from the plant. In some cases the plant is reduced to bare branches with a tuft of yellow leaves and flower buds at the tip.

It appears that their plants have been attacked by the fungal disease Downy Mildew. We’ve experienced very wet weather this summer and this has led to the disease becoming widespread as it’s more severe in wet seasons.

Unfortunately there are no chemical controls available for this disease. Infected plants should be lifted immediately and any fallen leaves picked up and placed in the bin. Infected plants should not be composted as this could lead to the spores being reintroduced to the soil.

Tags: downy mildew, impatiens