Impatiens Walleriana Super Elfin XP White
Impatiens walleriana 'Super Elfin XP White'
A disease-resistant improvement on the classic bedding impatiens, featuring pure white blooms that brighten shady garden areas where few other flowers thrive. This compact variety offers superior resistance to downy mildew, the disease that devastated traditional impatiens, while maintaining the continuous blooming habit gardeners love. The neat, mounded plants create perfect carpets of color in shade gardens, containers, and hanging baskets.
Harvest
70-80d
Days to harvest
Sun
im-PAY-shuns wall-er-ee-AY-nuh
Zones
10–11
USDA hardiness
Height
6-24 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Impatiens Walleriana Super Elfin XP White in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 flower →Zone Map
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Impatiens Walleriana Super Elfin XP White · Zones 10–11
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | April – May | June – July | June – August | — |
| Zone 4 | March – April | June – June | June – July | — |
| Zone 5 | March – April | May – June | May – July | — |
| Zone 6 | March – April | May – June | May – July | — |
| Zone 7 | February – March | April – May | April – June | — |
| Zone 8 | February – March | April – May | April – June | — |
| Zone 9 | January – February | March – April | March – May | — |
| Zone 10 | January – January | February – March | February – April | — |
Complete Growing Guide
Light: im-PAY-shuns wall-er-ee-AY-nuh. Soil: High Organic Matter. Soil pH: Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 0 ft. 6 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: Less than 12 inches, 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Low. Propagation: Seed, Stem Cutting.
Harvesting
The fruit is a dehiscent capsule. It produces explosive capsules that roll suddenly inward and have a ribbed, rubbery-succulent texture. The seed pods burst open in the late summer and fall from September through October.
Color: Green. Type: Capsule. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.
Harvest time: Fall, Summer
Bloom time: Fall, Summer
Storage & Preservation
Fresh-cut Super Elfin XP White stems should be immediately placed in cool water and kept in a cool location away from direct sunlight. Change the water every 2-3 days and recut stems underwater to maintain freshness. These delicate flowers typically maintain their beauty for 3-5 days in arrangements.
For longer-term preservation, these impatiens can be pressed for craft projects or herbarium specimens. Place fresh blooms between absorbent paper and press under heavy books for 2-3 weeks until completely dry. The white flowers retain their color well when properly pressed.
To preserve plants through winter in colder climates, take 4-inch cuttings before the first frost. Root cuttings in water or moist potting mix, then grow as houseplants in bright, indirect light with temperatures between 60-70°F. Reduce watering frequency during winter months. These parent plants can provide cuttings for the following spring season.
History & Origin
Origin: Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Heavy Shade, Rabbits
- +Attracts: Attractive Flowers, Colorful, Defines Paths, Easy to Grow, Shade
- +Wildlife value: Attracts butterflies and pollinators. Deer like to browse the plants.
- +Fast-growing
- +Low maintenance
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Begonia
Similar shade and moisture requirements, complementary flowering periods
Caladium
Provides contrasting foliage texture while thriving in same partial shade conditions
Coleus
Excellent foliage companion with similar water needs and shade tolerance
Torenia
Similar growing conditions and complementary purple-blue flowers enhance white blooms
Fuchsia
Both prefer cool, moist conditions and partial shade with similar care requirements
Lobelia
Low-growing habit creates nice contrast while sharing moisture and shade preferences
Astilbe
Perennial companion that provides structure and enjoys same moist, shaded conditions
Hosta
Bold foliage provides backdrop for delicate impatiens flowers in shade gardens
Keep Apart
Marigold
Requires full sun and dry conditions, opposite of impatiens shade and moisture needs
Lavender
Needs well-drained, dry soil and full sun, incompatible with impatiens requirements
Black Walnut
Produces juglone toxin that is harmful to impatiens and most flowering annuals
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #169270)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Excellent resistance to downy mildew (Plasmopara obducens)
Common Pests
Aphids, spider mites, thrips, slugs
Diseases
Gray mold in cool, wet conditions, stem rot if overwatered