Xela's Garden
New Guinea Impatiens [V]
Genus: Impatiens.
Species: Impatiens hawkeri.
'Magenta' + 'Pink Cream' + 'Toscana Medium Orange' Pot plants 10.08 Vistabile Lounge
Bought 10.08 Studley Green Garden Centre £?
Genus: Impatiens.
Species: Impatiens hawkeri.
New Guinea impatiens (Impatiens hawkeri) are native to the island of New Guinea.... newer cultivars have transformed New Guinea impatiens into popular potted and landscape plants.
New Guinea impatiens have green, bronze, or variegated leaves and large, showy flowers. Flowers can be up to 3 inches in diameter. Flower colors vary from white and pale pink to bright pink, red, violet, and orange.
Most New Guinea impatiens are propagated by cuttings. Gardeners can purchase plants at greenhouses and garden centers in spring. A few varieties, such as those in the Java series, can be grown from seeds. New Guinea impatiens seeds should be started indoors 10 to 12 weeks before the anticipated outdoor planting date.
New Guinea impatiens perform best in locations that receive morning sun and afternoon shade. Eastern exposures are often best. Plants that receive too much sun don't bloom well (flowers are smaller and fewer in number) and may have damaged foliage.
New Guinea impatiens require moist, well-drained soils. They do not like wet or dry soils. In wet soils, plants are prone to root rots. Plants wilt badly in dry soils. While wilted plants recover quickly when watered, moisture stress results in the abortion of flower buds and fewer flowers. It may also cause browning of leaf margins and leaf drop.
New Guinea impatiens are not fond of cool night temperatures. It's usually best to plant them outdoors about 2 weeks after the average last spring frost. When planting, set New Guinea impatiens at the same depth they are currently growing.
New Guinea impatiens in containers should be checked frequently. Water plants when the soil surface becomes dry. A deep soaking once a week should be sufficient for plants growing in landscape beds.
New Guinea impatiens require moderate fertilization. Plants growing in pots or other containers should be fertilized approximately every 2 weeks with a water soluble fertilizer. Incorporation of a slow-release fertilizer into the soil prior to planting should be adequate for plants in landscape beds.
[source: http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/hortnews/2006/3-8/impatiens.html]
