There was a fungal infection of Impatiens last summer. It is still about, that is why several suppliers are not selling them. It is a risk if you buy them that they get an infection and lose all their leaves.

http://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/profile.aspx?pid=205

the new guinea forms seem to be less susceptible and i notice a lot of gc are selling that type. so fingers crossed they will be ok.

if you do get them then dont grow them in the same spot as last year, and if in pots/tubs then wash them well and use fresh compost.

thanks for the info. I am amazed that some garden centres are selling them (by the thousands). They must know about the problem.

Interestingly it appears that B and Q are NOT selling them...at least not in the Manchester branches.

I was listening to GQT on the radio, I think it was Pippa Greenwood who talked to the research lab, they are trying to isolate the virus I think,. All their advice is don,t buy and be aware it can stay dormant in the soil. Interestingly it seems to be waterborn, last year mine not out in the rain did not succumb to the disease

the infection is present in the plants when you buy them, but it is not obvious at that stage. Its a problem for growers, because there's no treatment for Impatiens Downy Mildew - there's even some query as to whether its present in the seed before its even sown. Many sellers are not selling Impatiens walleriana (the usual form) but have substituted the larger and mildew resistant New Guinea hybrid forms instead.

I just boughta new guinea, huge plant for 3.99, is it semi shade loving do you think.?

They do fine in shade Pamg., but are happy in full sun too, so long as they don't dry out.

yep bamboo that is what i had been told hence my earlier comment. what is confusing is the use of the term virus when infact dm is fungal. they are equally happy in the shade Pamg.

I think the confusion has arisen because there are two viruses affecting impatiens walleriana as well, Seaburngirl, and both are vectors for Impatiens Downy Mildew.

Very confusing!.....

Thanks Bamboo.....they seem good value and I,ll probably get some more...

Yea, maybe I should add that Impatiens Downy Mildew is a fungal infection which can and does occur on its own, but that there are two viruses affecting impatiens which damage the plants, and also enable Impatiens Downy Mildew to invade. Which is what 'vector' means, really... not sure it helps, hope it makes it clearer.

I think the bottom line is don't grow them!.
But it does make the problem clearer