New Guinea impatiens (Impatiens hawkeri) produce much larger flowers than other impatiens. Prized by home gardeners for the colors of these blooms, which almost glow with vibrancy, New Guinea impatiens are named after their native island of New Guinea.
Although their initial introduction to the United States in 1970 didn’t go well, plant breeders have since created new cultivars that have made New Guinea impatiens a common potted and landscape plant in American gardens. The plant grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 12 and as annuals everywhere.
Place your plant in a location that receives morning sun and afternoon shade. While New Guinea impatiens love sunlight for part of the day, they won’t bloom as well if they receive too much. They require about four to six hours of afternoon shade. Eastern exposures are often ideal.
Water indoor plants when the soil begins to dry. New Guinea impatiens prefer consistently moist soil. However, they cannot tolerate soil that is soggy or too dry. If the soil dries out completely between watering, your plant may wilt or lose flowers. A thorough drench once each week is usually enough for plants grown outdoors. Indoor plants may require more frequent watering.