New Guinea Impatiens (Impatiens hawkeri) – Flowering plants

New Guinea Impatiens (Impatiens hawkeri) is small clump-forming plants that grow about 12 – 18 inches tall and spread 6 – 9 inches wide. It has glossy, dark green, burgundy, or variegated, pointed, oblong leaves. The leaves stay attractive throughout the season. Flattened 5-petaled blossoms come in a variety of colors including white, pink, orange, red, violet, and purple. Flowering is non- stop from May to October. Ideal for containers, baskets and garden beds.

Scientific Name: Impatiens hawkeri
Common Names: New Guinea Impatiens

How to grow and maintain New Guinea Impatiens (Impatiens hawkeri):

Light:
It thrives best in bright light, But no direct sunlight in summer. They do need good light levels to bloom well ideal light conditions are early morning sun and then afternoon shade.

Soil:
It grows well in evenly moist, organically rich, well-drained, peat moss-based potting mix.

Temperature:
It prefers average room temperatures 60°F – 75°F / 16°C – 24°C. In winter do not let the temperature fall below 13°C (55°F).

Water:
Water regularly, Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Flowering plants are thirsty, and they dry out quickly in containers, so check them often. Impatiens will quickly wilt if they are allowed to dry out.

Fertilizer:
Fertilize every two weeks from spring through fall with a high-potassium liquid fertilizer diluted by half.

Propagation:
It can be easily propagated by seed or stem cuttings. Sow impatiens seeds in spring or early summer. Germination takes 10 to 20 days at 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Take 10 cm stem tip cuttings in spring or summer. They’ll root easily in water or moist soil.

Pests and Diseases:
It has no serious pests and disease problem. Watch for spider mite, thrips, mealybugs, and aphids.