New Guinea Impatiens
Impatiens hawkeri
An upright, herbaceous perennial typically grown as an annual, featuring lance-shaped to elliptic leaves that can be green or bronze-variegated, and striking flat flowers in various bright colors.
- Light
- Partial shade to full sun with protection from intense afternoon heat, roughly 4 to 6 hours of filtered light daily.
- Water
- Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist. High sensitivity to drought; wilts rapidly when dry, but overly saturated soil causes root decay.
- Growth
- Upright, mounding growth habit, reaching mature heights of 1 to 2 feet with a similar spread. Moderate growth rate.
Care instructions
Provide bright, indirect sunlight or partial shade. Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Use a well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter, and feed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two to three weeks during the growing season.
Growing details
Sunlight
Partial shade to full sun with protection from intense afternoon heat, roughly 4 to 6 hours of filtered light daily.
Watering
Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist. High sensitivity to drought; wilts rapidly when dry, but overly saturated soil causes root decay.
Soil
Rich, loamy, well-draining soil with an optimal pH ranging from 6.0 to 6.5.
Hardiness zone
USDA zones 10 to 11, commonly grown as an annual in cooler climates.
Growth habit
Upright, mounding growth habit, reaching mature heights of 1 to 2 feet with a similar spread. Moderate growth rate.
Bloom season
Blooms continuously from late spring through the first autumn frost, producing large, flat, vibrant flowers in shades of red, pink, orange, purple, and white.
Propagation
Propagated easily through stem cuttings taken in spring or summer, which root readily in water or moist potting medium.
Common pests & issues
Susceptible to powdery mildew, gray mold, and root rot under humid or overcrowded conditions. Pests include aphids, spider mites, and thrips.
Similar species
Standard Garden Impatiens (Impatiens walleriana), which feature smaller flowers, thinner leaves, and a more sprawling habit compared to the larger, thicker foliage and sun tolerance of New Guinea Impatiens.