These two might probably look the same, but they are actually different! Let’s end the Sunpatiens vs Impatiens debate once and for all!
Impatiens showcase colorful flowers throughout the summer and can lighten up the dark corners of shady gardens. Sunpatiens, on the other hand, are the hybrid variety of inpatients that have revolutionized the use of impatiens! Sounds tricky? Let’s find out in detail about Sunpatiens vs Impatiens!
Check out our article on Cilantro vs. Parsley here!
What are Sunpatiens?
Sunpatiens are a hybrid variety from the Japanese seed company – Sakata. They are a perfect blend of wild impatiens from Indonesia and heat-tolerant impatiens Hawkeri from New Guinea. They flourish in hot and humid weather, and flowers from spring to fall. You can use them as containers and bedding flowers for a beautiful, long-lasting color!
What are Impatiens?
Also known as touch-me-not, impatiens belongs to the Balsaminaceae family. They are bright and cheerful annuals that produce flowers in almost all colors except blue! These tropical beauties are a flowering powerhouse that can fill your place with blossoms until there is no frost. Or, if you live in a subtropical or tropical, it can continue growing year-round.
Difference Between Sunpatiens and Impatiens
- Sunpatiens are the new hybrid variety that can withstand more sunlight than traditional impatiens.
- Impatiens thrive in shaded to partially shaded flowerbeds in a range of colorful flowers all summer.
- Sunpatiens are bred from traditional impatiens, but they more look like new guinea impatiens.
- The flowers of Sunpatiens are larger than Impatiens.
- Some Sunpatiens varieties offer colorful foliage. They’re available in three unique range based on growth habits–Vigorous Sunpatiens, Compact Sunpatiens, and Spreading Sunpatiens.
- Impatiens are prone to get affected by downy mildew with no preventive measures. Sunpatiens are resistant to mildew.
- Sunpatiens come in orange, pink, red, white, and purple colored flowers while impatiens produce flowers in every color except blue.
- Impatiens can grow up to a foot and a half high with a similar spread, while Sunpatiens can be 2-3 feet tall and wide.
Sunpatiens vs Impatiens
Though Sunpatiens are a hybrid of Impatiens, the primary difference among the two is their light requirements. Sunpatiens are a sun-loving variety that thrives in the sun, whereas impatiens grow best in shady areas. Sunpatiens also have a dark green shade of leaves whereas the Impatiens have a lighter shade of them.
