perennial

New Guinea Impatiens

The Story

Plant Bio

Impatiens hawkeri is a tender perennial herb native to Oceania that forms a rounded, bushy clump of succulent stems and whorled, lance-shaped leaves. The large, flat-faced flowers feature a narrow spur and bloom continuously from spring through fall in shades of white, pink, orange, red, and purple.

This species is distinguished from other impatiens by its larger, thicker foliage, which often features bronze, dark green, or variegated patterns with yellow and pink highlights. The flowers are also significantly larger, measuring up to two inches across, and are held conspicuously above the foliage.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides continuous, large, colorful blooms and striking variegated foliage in shaded garden beds and containers.

Functions as a reliable, self-cleaning bedding plant that requires no deadheading to maintain its neat appearance.

Attracts general insect pollinators to shaded areas where few other nectar sources are in bloom.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

36"

Width

24"

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

Water

High

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial (grown as annual)

Native To

Australasia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Fall

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with rich, organic, well-draining soil that receives morning sun and afternoon shade.
Incorporate compost into the planting bed to improve soil structure and moisture retention without causing waterlogging.
Space plants twelve to fifteen inches apart to ensure adequate air circulation and reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
Water deeply at the base of the plant to keep the soil consistently moist, avoiding overhead watering.

Pro Tip

Pinch the growing tips early in the season to stimulate lateral branching for a denser habit, and never cut back into old, leafless woody stems which fail to regenerate.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Keep soil consistently moist but well-aerated to prevent root rot.
Pinch young shoots early in the season to encourage a bushier growth habit.
Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two to three weeks during the active growing season.

Don't

Do not allow the soil to dry out completely, as plants wilt rapidly and suffer tissue damage.
Do not plant in heavy, poorly drained clay soils that hold standing water.
Do not prune hard into old, leafless woody stems.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Pinch
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Border EdgingContainer GardeningMass PlantingShade Gardens

Companion Plants

Begonia semperflorens Plectranthus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

New Guinea Impatiens questions

What zones can New Guinea Impatiens grow in?

New Guinea Impatiens is hardy in USDA Zone 10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is New Guinea Impatiens deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse New Guinea Impatiens, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does New Guinea Impatiens bloom?

New Guinea Impatiens typically blooms in spring through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does New Guinea Impatiens need full sun?

New Guinea Impatiens does best in part shade.