New Guinea Impatiens

Sun Impatiens

New Guinea impatiens are more sun tolerant than most other impatiens which have a definite preference for shade.

They form a 2 foot succulent shrub with narrow, pointed leaves colored green, bronze and purple. They bloom in all colors except yellow or blue. Some have bi-colored blooms.

Like all impatiens, they require a constantly moist soil, high in organic matter. They will not survive drought or a hard freeze.

It may not be a good idea to mulch them to reduce their watering needs. The succulent stems rot easily.

The more sun they are in, the more water they will need. They are easier to maintain in the shade.

They are hardy in zones 9a-11. Here in zone 9a people don't usually cover them in the winter. Unprotected,they will die to the ground but most will return the following spring. Potted specimens can be overwintered in the house if the humidity can be kept high enough to please them.

When growing impatiens in the garden, plant them 15 inches apart. Mix a slow release fertilizer into the soil before you plant them. If they become leggy or unshapely during the growing season, trim them back. You'll be surprised how quickly they'll fill out and bloom again. The occasional drink of Scott's Miracle Grow will guarantee constant flowering.

They look spectacular in pots. Alone or as part of a container garden with several other plants. A 10 inch pot is large enough for one plant.

You can propagate New Guinea impatiens from cuttings. They are easy to root in soil or water. In fact, any broken stem you stick into the ground will probably root. A few varieties are available from seed. Sow 12 weeks before you want to plant them outdoors. Seed will germinate at 75 degrees F. They need light to sprout so don't cover them with soil. Mist them to keep them moist until they sprout.

To Buy New Guinea Impatiens, Click on the Photos

Impatien - New Guinea Celebration Electric Pink - $29.95 The Impatien New Guinea Celebration Electric Pink, 'New Guinea Impatien', displays very large hot pink colored flowers with just a hint of white in the center. Shade plants are hard to find and these Impatiens fill that niche with vibrant beauty. Impatiens are a low maintainence flower but do require frequent waterings. Place in moist but not wet, well-drained soil. Fertilize twice a month in beds, every week in containers.

Buy Impatiens, (New Guinea) Hot Divine Mix Hybrid 12 Plants

Buy Impatiens, (New Guinea) Jungle Rain Mix Improved 12 Plants

Sun Impatiens

Buy Impatiens, (New Guinea) Macarena Hybrid 1 Pkt. (25 seeds)

This is a patented variety called 'SunPatiens' that was bred to thrive in full sun and intense heat. They are available in lavender, white, red and salmon (flowers) and some have yellow and green variegated leaves.

They are a cross between New Guinea impatiens and a wild impatiens. They inherited the flower size of the NG impatiens and the extra vigor of their wild ancestors. They can take more sun because their leaves are slightly thicker.

'SunPatiens' grow to about 30 inches when planted in the ground.

Growing Impatiens

Impatiens, sometimes called Busy Lizzys, are colorful, easy to grow, and they are one of the few annuals that will bloom profusely in the shade.

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