Introduction
Vibrant and beautiful, New Guinea impatiens are among the best all-around plants for home gardeners, patios, and landscaping. They are prized for their large blooms and shiny leaves, which tolerate brighter light better than traditional impatiens, giving off nonstop color from spring to frost. Gardeners adore them for containers, borders, and shady spots that still receive sun.
In this Guinea impatiens care guide, I will share all the details about growing New Guinea-impatiens, including ideal growing conditions, problems, size, color varieties, and how they compare to other plants like SunPatiens.
What Are New Guinea Impatiens?
New Guinea-Impatiens (Impatiens hawkeri) are found in the southwestern Pacific, on New Guinea, and in surrounding areas. Common garden geraniums (Pelargonium x hortorum) are lower-growing plants commonly used as bedding or windowsill plants. Unlike standard impatiens, they have stouter stems, larger flowers, and greater sun tolerance. They have a striking appearance, making them among the most popular plants for landscape beds and pots with New Guinea-impatiens.
They are usually classified as annuals; in their native habitats or in frost-free climates, they may grow perennially.
Size and Growth Habit of New Guinea Impatiens
Knowing the size of New Guinea-impatiens is handy for spacing and design.
- Height: 12–24 inches
- Spread: 12–18 inches
- Growth habit: Upright and bushy
Grows in a low and full habit, perfect for small pots, borders, or mass plantings.
New Guinea Impatiens Sun and Shade Needs
A typical question is New Guinea-impatiens sun or shade? These plants prefer a balance.
- Light Preferences
- Full am sun with pm shade is perfect.
- Bright, indirect light works well
- Leaves can get scorched by too much fierce sun
They tolerate more sun than regular impatiens, but still do best with some shade.
Colors and Types of New Guinea Impatiens
A rainbow of colors: one of the most compelling things about New Guinea-impatiens is its color spectrum.
Popular New Guinea Impatiens Colors
- Red
- Pink
- Orange
- Purple
- Coral
- New Guinea-impatiens white
Lots of types have mottled or bronze foliage, too, so it looks good out of flower.
New Guinea Impatiens Care Guide
Good New Guinea-impatiens care fosters healthy growth and blooming.
Basic Care Tips
- Keep watered, but avoid getting the soil soggy
- Use well-draining, rich soil
- Feed every 2-3 weeks with a well-balanced fertilizer
- Remove spent blooms if needed
- Moderate to even moisture, combined with good drainage, is the ticket.
New Guinea Impatiens in Pots
Growing New Guinea-impatiens in containers is very popular.
Container Tips
- Choose pots with drainage holes
- Use a lightweight potting mix
- Water more often than ground plants.
- Potted plants are great for patios, balconies, and even entryways.
Do New Guinea Impatiens Come Back Year After Year?
It’s a question many gardeners ask: are New Guinea impatiens perennials? In the vast majority of climates, no.
- They are annuals in cold climates
- They may be perennial in frost-free areas.
- Hard (Indoors overwintering is possible but difficult)
It is not surprising that most gardeners replant them each spring.
New Guinea Seed Propagation From Seeds
While most find the New Guinea-impatiens available for sale as plants, you can also purchase seed.
Growing From Seed
- Sow 10-12 weeks indoors before the last frost
- Keep soil warm and moist
- Provide bright light
Please be aware that the color and vigor of seed-grown plants may vary.
Common New Guinea Impatiens Problems
New Guinea-impatiens have problems, like all plants.
Common Issues
- Wilting from underwatering
- Root rot from poor drainage
- Spider mites on crops in hot, dry weather
- Powdery mildew in humid environments
Most problems can be avoided with good spacing, airflow, and watering.
Do New Guinea Impatiens Get Eaten by Deer?
Gardeners sometimes wonder whether deer eat New Guinea-impatiens. While not exactly deer-proof, they are less palatable to deer than many flowering plants. Hungry deer, however, could still nibble on them.
New Guinea Impatiens vs SunPatiens
New Guinea-impatiens vs. Sun Patiens is a popular question.
Key Differences
- Sun impatiens tolerate full sun better
- New Guinea impatiens do best in partial shade
- Sun impatiens become larger and more vigorous
- Boasting finer, more compact displays than Busy Lizzies are New Guinea-impatiens
- They’re both good choices for the light in question.
Where to Purchase New Guinea Impatiens
New Guinea-Impatiens for Sale. You can purchase New Guinea-impatiens at:
- Local nurseries
- Garden centers
- Online plant retailers
They are readily available in some places, especially at stores such as Bunnings, and are New Guinea impatiens, especially during spring and summer.
Conclusion
New Guinea impatiens are an excellent choice for a gardener looking for a splash of bold color with lots of lush foliage that doesn’t require deadheading and blooms continuously until the first frost, as long as they have afternoon shade. When tucked into beds or set out in containers, these simple flowers just do their thing, year after stodgy year. Learn what impatiens like for light and care, how they differ from other types of impatiens, and how to have beautiful blooms throughout the season. By setting the stage for these New Guinea-impatiens to thrive, you will soon find them among your most cherished plants.
FAQs About New Guinea Impatiens
Are New Guinea impatiens sun or shade plants?
Partial sun, remarkably morning light, and afternoon shade suit them.
Where is the best place to plant New Guinea impatiens?
Plant them in bright light, with good drainage and protection from harsh afternoon sun.
How long do New Guinea impatiens live?
Given reasonable care, they will flower continuously from spring through frost.
New Guinea Impatiens Vs. Regular Impatiens
New Guinea impatiens feature larger flowers, thicker leaves, and better sun tolerance than common impatiens.
