New Guinea Impatiens: How to Grow Impatiens Hawkeri

New Guinea impatiens (Impatiens hawkeri) is a hybrid variety that produces larger flower blooms and more vibrant colors than common impatiens (Impatiens walleriana). This plant is native to Papua New Guinea and blooms flowers in bright shades of red, orange, pink, and white. New Guinea impatiens is mildew-resistant and capable of growing up to three feet tall, with foliage in hues such as green, bronze, and purple. Growers commonly use these hybrids to spawn others, such as the sun-loving sunpatiens.

These flowers make vivid additions to your borders and walkways or work well in containers or hanging baskets. If you live in a climate with cold winters, it’s best to grow New Guinea impatiens as an indoor houseplant.

New Guinea impatiens can cause diarrhea and vomiting when ingested, so keep this plant out of reach of children and pets.

The best time to plant New Guinea impatiens is after all danger of frost has passed, typically around mid-to-late spring, for a summer growing season. Ideal daytime temperatures for this plant are between seventy and eighty degrees Fahrenheit. Do not plant New Guinea impatiens outside if the temperature drops below forty-five degrees Fahrenheit at night.

While gardeners often grow New Guinea impatiens as annuals, they are hardy as outdoor perennials, thriving in USDA Hardiness Zones 10–12. With the right conditions, the bloom times can extend into the fall.

Since they are hybrids, New Guinea impatiens are typically more difficult to grow from seed. Propagating this plant is more successful when you grow it from root cuttings. Read on to learn how to plant New Guinea impatiens from cuttings:

1. 1. Choose your planting spot. New Guinea impatiens will thrive in areas that receive full sun in the morning and afternoon shade. Plant New Guinea impatiens in a place where you want to attract beneficial pollinators like bees and hummingbirds because they are full of nectar.
2. 2. Prepare the soil. The plant prefers a slightly acidic soil pH but will still grow in a variety of different conditions as long as the soil is well-draining. Prepare a spot in your garden bed, or fill a container with the right kind of potting soil that suits the particular needs of your impatiens flowers.
3. 3. Prepare the cutting. Take a two- to three-inch-long cutting off a mature New Guinea impatiens plant using a pair of sterile gardening shears. Remove any flower buds on the cutting and snip the leaves off the bottom two inches.
4. 4. Plant your cutting. Plant your cutting in your prepared planting spot right away. Make planting holes deep enough to hold the bottom half of your cutting, then backfill with soil to keep the cutting erect.
5. 5. Water the area. Water the soil thoroughly after you plant your cutting to help it establish.

New Guinea impatiens is a low-maintenance and easy-care plant perfect for mass planting. Better yet, it’s a great specimen to add some colorful blooms to your flower beds. Here are a few basic care tips to consider:

1. 1. Water regularly: New Guinea impatiens prefer consistently moist soil. Its blooms can start to wilt if the soil dries out too much between waterings. Set up a drip irrigation system or check your plants regularly to help keep the soil moist. Be mindful of overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
   
2. 2. Fertilize monthly: New Guinea impatiens plants are not heavy feeders. However, their regularly-blooming flowers will need supplemental feeding at least once a month. Add a slow-release fertilizer or water-soluble fertilizer to your soil to ensure your impatiens have all the nutrients they need to flourish.
3. 3. Trim back the plant: Prune your New Guinea impatiens back about four to six inches to control growth and encourage healthier blooms. Pruning also prevents your plant from becoming too leggy. You can also pinch off blooms to encourage new, bushier growth, though you won’t need to deadhead it regularly.
4. 4. Monitor for pests: New Guinea impatiens plants are resistant to the downy mildew fungal disease, but they may encounter issues with pests like aphids, mealybugs, and thrips. Use an insecticidal soap spray or neem oil to handle mild infestations.

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