SunPatiens is a patented hybrid of several Impatiens species developed by the Japanese breeding company Suntory Flowers. SunPatiens is known for its large, vibrant flowers that bloom from spring to fall and its tolerance to sun, heat, and humidity. Unlike traditional Impatiens, which struggle in full sun, SunPatiens thrives in both sun and partial shade, making it a versatile choice for gardens, landscapes, and containers. Additionally, SunPatiens comes in a wide range of colors, from soft pastels to bold, striking hues, providing endless design possibilities for gardeners looking to add long-lasting color to their outdoor spaces.
Our Selection of SunPatiens
At Martin Garden Center, we grow a very limited number of SunPatiens but we sell thousands and thousands and thousands provided by our vendors. Beginning circa mid-March, we stock 3 full double decker tables of SunPatiens 4″ containers, and we continue stocking these tables until early August (or when our vendors run out of SunPatiens). We also carry 6″ SunPatiens throughout the season, although these sun lovers don’t tend to be available until late April, much to our chagrin. We carry 10″ hanging baskets as well, and all of these plants are located in our Mall area on the sunny side nearest the Greenhouse.
Varieties that you will see at Martin Garden Center include the Vigorous and the Compact varieties, and we have no limits. But, we do have two cautionary notes … (1) if you find a variety that you like, buy as many as you think you’ll need plus 10. And, (2) DO NOT fall in love with only one variety and expect us to possibly have it during the season. You can and will wait all season for one variety to come back into productions so don’t go that route.
We are growing the following varieties in 2025:
- Compact Blush Pink
- Compact Classic White
- Compact Deep Red
- Compact Electric Orange
- Compact Tropical Rose
- Spreading Tropical White
- Vigorous Pretty Pink
- Vigorous Salmon
How to Grow SunPatiens
- Plant SunPatiens in the Spring after the last frost or when soil temperatures have warmed up.
- When planting SunPatiens, choose a location that receives full to partial sunlight.
- These plants thrive in well-drained, fertile soil.
- Ensure proper spacing between plants, as SunPatiens can spread and fill in spaces rapidly.
- SunPatiens have a high tolerance for heat and humidity but require consistent watering
- Applying a layer of mulch around the plants helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilize SunPatiens regularly with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer
- Regular feeding contributes to healthy growth and a profusion of colorful flower
- Occasional trimming helps SunPatiens maintain a compact and bushy form.
- Prune back leggy or overly vigorous stems to encourage branching and a more rounded shape.
- Deadheading is essential for encouraging new blooms and extending the flowering period.
- Sunpatiens are resistant to impatiens downy mildew, a common issue with traditional impatiens.
Leaves and Flowers
The flowers of SunPatiens are borne on long, sturdy stems that arise from the plant’s branches, making them ideal for use in cut flower arrangements. The leaves of SunPatiens are dark green and slightly serrated, and they can grow up to 4 inches long.
Uses in the Garden
SunPatiens are prized for their ability to create stunning landscape displays, adding vibrant colors and lush foliage to gardens. With a wide range of colors available, including shades of pink, orange, red, and white, SunPatiens brings a burst of energy and visual appeal to flower beds, borders, and mixed garden spaces. Their robust growth habit and profuse flowering make them ideal for filling in large areas and creating eye-catching focal points.
SunPatiens are also versatile and well-suited for container gardening. Their vigorous growth and cascading habit make them perfect candidates for hanging baskets, containers, and window boxes. The vibrant flowers spill over the edges, creating a cascading effect that adds beauty and color to patios, balconies, and outdoor living spaces. Container-grown SunPatiens offer the flexibility to move plants around for optimal sunlight, making them a popular choice for those with limited garden space or those looking to enhance their outdoor decor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are SunPatiens Annuals or Perennials?
SunPatiens are normally treated as annuals in most regions, but their behavior can have some perennial characteristics in certain climates. In the SC Upstate, we classify SunPatiens as annuals, as the frost-sensitive plants may not survive the winter.
Are SunPatiens Deer Resistant?
Deer typically ignore SunPatiens due to its strong scent. However, hungry deer may nibble on a wider range of plants during periods of food scarcity. Additional measures such as fencing or using deer deterrents may be advisable in regions with high deer activity to protect your SunPatiens and other garden plants.
Where To Buy SunPatiens?
If you are in South Carolina, you can buy SunPatiens from us at Martin Garden Center!