Impatiens Lost All Blooms After Rain

Question From: K. Randall - Duluth, Georgia, United States
Q: my beautiful impatiens lost all their blooms after hard rain

A: You may have impatiens downy mildew. Check the backs of the leaves for a whitish coating. Also take a sample to the garden center where you bought them for an ID. If it's positive contact your county horticulture agent. This disease is fatal and you should remove all the plants with their roots. Put them in a plastic garbage bag and send them out with the trash. The spores may live in the soil for several years, so you want find out if you have it. Best Nancy