Impatiens Have Lost All Leaves In One Week

Question From: Houston, Texas, United States
Q: impatiens - I have them planted in a 2 by 4 feet planter. OVER A PERIOD OF 1 WEEK ALL OF THE LEAVES HAVE DISAPPEARED AND THE THE STALKS ARE LEFT STANDING. They were doing well and I haven't changed watering habits, etc. I saw a squirrel burying pecans and acorns on several occasions. Do they eat leaves from impatiens?

A: Your impatiens have the fungal disease impatiens downy mildew. There is no cure. Dump the box. soil and all and place it in the trash. Wash the boxes, use new soil and plant something else. Best Nancy