Impatiens walleriana 'Super Elfin'
Impatiens walleriana ‘Super Elfin’ is a seed‑raised bedding series known for compact, uniform plants. It flowers early and keeps a tidy mound that suits packs and small containers. Plants bloom from late spring to frost in most regions. The series is best in part shade to shade with consistent moisture. ‘Super Elfin’ helped define modern bedding impatiens and is still widely grown.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: bedding impatiens; series
- Height × spread: 8–10 in (20–25 cm) × 12–14 in (30–35 cm)
- Bloom window: late spring to frost
- Color & flower form: numerous single colors and mixes; large for plant size
- Fragrance: 0 none
- USDA hardiness: grown as annual in most of North America; tender perennial in Zones 10–11
- Breeder / Year / Origin: PanAmerican Seed, 1980, USA
- Pet safety: safe
How it differs
- More compact and uniform than typical bedding impatiens.
- Tight flowering window for consistent retail timing.
- Suited to dense plantings in packs and edging.
Strengths
- Early, abundant bloom on compact plants.
- Reliable pack and pot performance.
- Broad color palette available.
Care in one minute
- Site: part shade to full shade.
- Soil: rich and well‑drained with organic matter.
- Water: keep evenly moist; water at soil level to limit foliar wetness.
- Feeding: light, regular feeding supports continuous bloom.
- Grooming: no deadheading required; pinch lightly if stretching.
- Overwintering: discard after frost in most regions.
Watch‑outs
- Susceptible to impatiens downy mildew; not a resistant line.
- Needs steady moisture; drought causes rapid wilt.
- Avoid hot afternoon sun in warm climates.
Best uses (tags)
borders, containers, shade‑tolerant, mass‑planting, edging
Provenance note
The ‘Super Elfin’ series followed the original ‘Elfin’ line and was established by PanAmerican Seed in the 1980s.
References
- Pacific Northwest Plant Disease Management Handbook – Impatiens downy mildew
- ASPCA – Impatiens spp. non‑toxic to cats and dogs
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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