AboutC.L. Fornari Expertise Annuals suggested for specific situations (sun, shade, windowboxes etc) New or unusual annuals are a particular interest of mine, and I grow many of these from seed. I am happy to help problem solve, answer questions about maintenance, and guide you to sources of unusual plants.
Experience I am a garden writer/speaker/consultant and host of a weekly gardening radio program in the Northeast. I have been gardening all my life for my own pleasure, and started as a professional gardener and garden communicator 15 years ago. I work part-time at a garden center, selling and tending shrubs/trees/annuals/perennials...and doing some propagation and design work. I often think that all these professional activities serve to put a somewhat legitimate framework around a serious case of plant-lust.
Question I have a New Guinea Impatient Plant that was beautiful for about one week. I live in upstate NY and our night time temperature has been dropping into the 40's. Is that low enough to damage my plant? Otherwise I have no clue what's up with it.
Answer Alice,
Yes - the night temps you are having will cause New Guinea Impatiens to sulk and turn yellow. The northeast and midwest have had a very cool June, and these plants don't do well when the night temps drop below 50. The good news is that they will probably recover and do well once the weather improves. Don't keep it too wet, but don't let the plants wilt in dry soil either. When you water, try not to get the foliage wet as that will cause mold on the older flowers or leaves in cool weather. Wait for any more fertilizer until the temps warm and the plant starts to grow.
