Ever wonder about the difference is between all those cultivars of Impatiens? We usually see 5 main types at Sloat. All the cultivars encompass the basic colors of white, red, pink, orange, rose, violet, and salmon. Of course, there are other colors such as scarlet, apricot, bright eye, cranberry, etc.
Futura (1965) – This cultivar has been around a long time. The flowers tend to be smaller on average than newer cultivars and the plants are taller and leggier (12”-14”) especially at the end of the season (up to 2’ tall!).
Accent (1984) – This cultivar all but replaced Futura. The plants are more compact and the flowers are large and held above the foliage. Plants on average will be 10”-12” tall. They will still tend to some legginess at season’s end (1 ½’ tall). We have Pearl, Apricot, Cranberry and Bright Eye. Also picotees.
Blitz and Dazzler (=1970’s) – These cultivars grow a lot like Futura but they have good bicolors and picotee forms such as red/white and orange/white.
Elfin (1968) – This is the most dwarf Impatiens, growing only 6”-8” tall. The colors tend to be darker, muddier if you will, than average. It is an unhappy gardener who mistakenly mixes Elfin in with their Accents!
Xtreme (2007) – This is the new kid on the block! The colors are as true and as large as Accent but the plant stays more compact (8”-10”) throughout the season. No legginess here!
