About
New Guinea Group Impatiens are hybrids of Impatiens plants with a great variety of flower and leaf colours and are sold in nurseries and garden centres for summer bedding and patio plants. The species 'hawkeri' has often been crossed with Impatiens aurantiaca and Impatiens platypetala to improve characteristics such as drought resistance and floriferousness and to increase the colour range and improve the habit and compactness of plants.
About the genus
Impatiens can be annuals or evergreen perennials, with fleshy stems bearing simple, toothed leaves and solitary or clustered, spurred, 5-petalled flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeBedding, Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Hanging basket, Houseplants, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Care notes
CultivationGrow on in warm frost free conditions. Acclimatise plants before planting outside in early summer. Pinching out when young will create a well balanced compact plant that is perfect for container cultivation. A useful bedding plant for any well drained soil in partial shade or sun.
PruningPinch out growing tip when young for a well-balanced and well-branched plant. Careful and regular dead-heading can prolong the flowering display well into autumn.
PropagationPropagate by seed or softwood cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free. May be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse red spider mite and vine weevil
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free