New Guinea Impatiens (Impatiens × hawkeri): Continuous Color for Shade

New Guinea impatiens (Impatiens × hawkeri) are hybrid impatiens with larger flowers, thicker leaves, and better sun tolerance than common impatiens. They bloom nonstop from spring to frost in shades of pink, red, orange, purple, and white, often with variegated foliage.

Features

Plants form mounding clumps 12–18 inches tall and wide. They are resistant to downy mildew, which plagues common impatiens. Excellent for shade beds, containers, and hanging baskets.

Culture

Partial shade (tolerates morning sun); rich, moist, well-drained soil. Water consistently—do not let wilt. Fertilize regularly. Tender perennial in zones 10–11; grown as annual elsewhere.

Taxonomy

• Family: Balsaminaceae
• Genus: Impatiens
• Species: × hawkeri