SunPatiens Garden of Fire & Ice 6 Pack

SunPatiens are innovative annuals that simply refuse to quit! Blooming non-stop from late spring until frost, the ‘Garden of Fire and Ice’ collection includes 3 varieties - 'Compact Fire Red', "Compact White', and 'Compact Electric Orange'. The Compact series of SunPatiens was bred to provide excellent coverage in the landscape with a dense, well-branched habit. SunPatiens are easy to grow and ideal for both beginners or gardening experts, thriving in full sun to partial shade and brightening the garden or patio with vibrant, season-long color.

• Type: Impatiens
• Quantity: 6 - (2) of each 'Compact Fire Red', "Compact White', and 'Compact Electric Orange'
• Shipping Size: 6-8 inches
• Shipping Age: 8 weeks
• USDA Zone: Annuals. Will thrive from spring to fall in all zones
• Light Needs:  Full to part sun
• Water Needs: 2” a week
• Flowering Season: Summer to frost
• Flower Color:  Assorted colors
• Growth Habit: Mounding
• Mature Height: 14 - 32”
• Mature Spread: 12 – 30”
• Special Features Sun-loving and heat tolerant; Disease resistant.
• Landscape Uses: Great for containers, hanging baskets, or in-ground planting

Includes:
(2) 'Compact Fire Red'
(2) ’Compact White'
(2) 'Compact Electric Orang



Planting Tips & Instructions:

Important: Thoroughly hydrate the plant by submersing the root zone in a container of water for 10 minutes while you prepare for planting.

1.    Remove and discard the clear plastic bag from around the pot.
2.    After watering, remove the pot by holding the plant upside down in one hand and squeezing the sides of the pot with the other.
3.    Prepare the root ball for planting by gently disturbing the surface roots with your fingers, fork, or gardening tool and pruning any damaged roots. This will encourage the roots to begin growing outward into the new soil.
4.    Dig a hole twice as deep and twice as wide as the plant's root ball. Partially backfill the hole with soil and place the plant into the hole. The top of the root ball should be level with the ground surrounding the hole. Refill the hole with soil, firming the soil around the plant with your fingers. Check to be sure the plant is not planted too deeply. If it is, raise the plant carefully and re-firm the soil.
5.    Water thoroughly.

Continuing Care:

Mulching - Apply a 2-4 inch layer of shredded bark, compost, leaves, straw or other organic matter around your plants to promote moisture retention, maintain even soil temperatures and discourage weed growth. Replenish the mulch as needed.

Weeding - Keep the area around your plants free of weeds. Weeds compete with surrounding plants for food, water and light. Walk around the garden periodically and pull weeds, including the roots, as soon as you see them.

Pruning - SunPatiens® that have a sparse and leggy habit have likely been deprived of sufficient water at some point. They can be rejuvenated by pruning them back to half of their current height. Maintaining a consistent watering schedule will help to keep them looking their best. SunPatiens® naturally shed their spent blossoms and do not need to be deadheaded.

Watering - Adequate and consistent watering is essential for your plants. Infrequent, long soakings of water that thoroughly saturate the soil are more effective than frequent, light applications of water. Due to variable geographical and environmental conditions, a specific watering schedule is difficult to define. However, as a rule of thumb, you should not allow the soil or the original root ball to completely dry out. During periods of drought or extreme summer heat, you may need to water as often as every few days. To determine if your plant needs water, dig a few inches into the soil next to the plant. If the soil is dry 2-3 inches below the surface, it is time to water. Overwatering can be as damaging as under watering. Be sure that the area surrounding your plant has adequate drainage to move water away from the plant. If you choose to plant in a container, always select one with drainage holes to prevent your plant's roots from sitting in water.

Feeding - To maximize the growth and performance of your plants, feed them with a water soluble fertilizer once every 7 to 10 days during the growing season.

Winterizing - SunPatiens® are tender annuals that cannot tolerate any frost or freezing temperatures. In the event of a late spring frost, protect young plants by covering them overnight with a sheet, frost blanket or an inverted bucket or box. Remove any material used to cover the plants the following morning. Plants in containers should be moved into a protected area on exceptionally cold nights. The plants should be discarded when they have finished flowering at the end of the season.