In 2013 a two-year trial was established at the Long Island Horticultural Research & Extension Center to demonstrate commonly suggested shade annual alternatives to garden impatiens (Impatiens walleriana). The goal of this trial was to serve as a resource for growers, gardeners, and landscapers seeking substitute plants for garden impatiens, which are threatened by impatiens downy mildew.
In 2013, 43 cultivars of 16 species were grown in the demonstration. For information on the plants trialed in 2013, please refer to the trial report posted on http://ccesuffolk.org/agriculture/floriculture/long-island-trial-gardens. Additional photos are also posted.
In 2014, a total of 79 cultivars of 29 species were included in the demonstration (Table 1). Plants were planted into the field under a high tunnel fitted with 50% shade cloth during the last week of June. Plants were planted on 12-inch centers within the plot, with 24 inches between plots. Each plot was replicated 3 times to account for varying soil conditions or pests. All plant material was in 3- to 4-inch containers at planting.
To read the rest of the story, please go to: Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County