2012 Impatiens Virus - Ask Extension
In June 2012, our impatiens just collapsed from what we think now was a virus going around. The bed is under a river birch tree and this year we plan...
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2012 Impatiens Virus #128920
Asked May 21, 2013, 8:59 PM EDT
In June 2012, our impatiens just collapsed from what we think now was a virus going around. The bed is under a river birch tree and this year we plan to plant begonias, specifically batik and netja dark, which are small bushy plants, we think. The soil seems unusually dry and pale this year. My questions are several: is there a need to strip a couple of inches of soil and discard it? Should we have the soil sprayed by a lawn service to kill any remaining virus? What else might be recommended prior to planting the begonias, such as new topsoil, compost mixed in, etc. Thank you for the help with this issue. Please provide a phone number if possible for followup questions. I have tried to contact Ms. Callender at the Venoy Road office in Wayne County but so far w/o success.
Wayne County Michigan
Expert Response
The impatiens died from a fungal problem called downy mildew. There was no virus. It ONLY killed that kind of impatiens, not another plant on the continent. The soil is unusually dry and lighter colored this year because it has not rained in weeks. If you want to work in some compost, it will look better color-wise and will hold moisture more successfully.
Do not have anything sprayed on the soil, other than water. If someone suggests that this is necessary, they are either stupid or a con artist...or both.
Add several inches of compost and gently rake it into the soil to integrate it with your your soil. You need to be careful so that you do not damage the birch's roots. After planting the flowers, mulch with some organic material around them to keep the soil cooler and to prevent top evaporation. You need 2-3 inches. If you need to contact me, my phone number is 517/546-3950.
Do not have anything sprayed on the soil, other than water. If someone suggests that this is necessary, they are either stupid or a con artist...or both.
Add several inches of compost and gently rake it into the soil to integrate it with your your soil. You need to be careful so that you do not damage the birch's roots. After planting the flowers, mulch with some organic material around them to keep the soil cooler and to prevent top evaporation. You need 2-3 inches. If you need to contact me, my phone number is 517/546-3950.
