While New Guinea Impatiens survive as annual plants in colder zones, their perennial behavior in some zones creates confusion about whether they are annuals or perennials.
New Guinea Impatiens (Impatiens hawkeri) are hybrids, and most varieties are only grown from cuttings.
Still, some varieties like Java, Divine, and Spectra series can sprout from seeds producing variegated blooms with pink, purple, and white colors.
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Are New Guinea Impatiens Hardy?
New Guinea Impatiens are hardy plants that can withstand sunny conditions than other Impatiens varieties.
Meanwhile, these sun lovers can’t tolerate freezing winters as they thrive best in hotter USDA zones 10-12.
Although these easy-growing plants don’t like to be waterlogged, dry conditions may cause dramatic wilting.
These incredible bloomers can do well as bedding plants in the garden or in a large container if they get well-draining, coarse soil.
If you are into growing them outdoors, ensure the last frost has passed and the soil temperature has reached over 60°F.
Moreover, New Guinea Impatiens will grow best if you place 2-6 hours of sunlight daily, blending morning sun and afternoon shade.
While growing these plants indoors, place them on the east-facing window ensuring good sun exposure.
Besides, New Guinea Impatiens can face problems like necrosis, leaf spots, and wilts, although it is immune to harmful diseases, including downy mildew.
Are New Guinea Impatiens Perennials or Annuals?
Basically, people from most regions grow New Guinea Impatiens as annuals as the plant can’t survive the freezing temperatures.
However, they can also behave as short-living perennials in warm areas with modest winters producing vibrant blooms.
Moreover, under proper care and ideal conditions, New Guinea Impatiens can live and flower for several years as perennials in zone 10 to 12.
But, they can’t survive the chilling winters in the colder zones and thrive as the annual plant completing the life cycle before the first frost.
So, if you are from the zones colder than 10, you can enjoy their colorful blooms as annuals in pots and hanging baskets throughout the summer.
Also, New Guinea Impatiens can be the perfect annual addition as the bedding plants outdoors decoring your summer garden.
Also, you must save these Impatiens varieties from winter, even in warmer zones. You can use frost blankets or plastic covering during cold nights.
Doing this, New Guinea Impatiens return in the spring after overwintering, allowing you to enjoy its astonishing beauty as perennials.
New Guinea Impatiens Planting Guide
As New Guinea Impatiens prefer indirect light, select a shady location to plant it after the last frost passes.
The soil must be warm and workable for this plant to survive and grow. But you can still start the seeds inside in late winter. And plant them later in the spring after the temperature increases.
Growing from the seeds, New Guinea Impatiens will germinate within 18-21 days after sowing.
- After the soil is workable, amend it with organic compost and apply the mulch layer to maintain soil temperature.
- Transplant the seedlings only after 7-10 days of germination into the full or partial shade.
- To plant the seedling, dig a hole larger than the rootball and plant it, ensuring no damage to the roots.
- If you grow many seedlings, provide 18-24 inches of spacing between each seedling.
- Water the newly planted seedlings only when the soil or potting mix’s top 1-2 inches are dry.
- Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer every 2 weeks during the growing season and deadhead the spent flowers for continuous blooming.
From Editorial Team
Make Your New Guinea Impatiens Bushy!
New Guinea Impatiens is a moderate-growing plant that grows 18-24 inches tall and spreads up to 24 inches.
To make the plant bushy, prune 4-6 inches of the plant leaves before the new growth occurs. This encourages healthy growth and heavier blooms too.
