Following on the coat-tails of the last blog posting regarding the popular, traditional Impatiens (Impatiens walleriana), their comeback story, disease resistance, and the Beacon Impatiens stunning appearance at the 62nd Grammy’s – with a shocking shout-out by multiple award winner Billie Eilish (off-camera, yet distinctly heard by my brother-in-law’s cousin’s mom, a trustworthy cabbie in East LA). Though truly a tough act to follow (well, the plants never actually acted, but laid lavishly along the red carpet), the New Guinea Impatiens are hardly an understudy to the Beacons, but legitimately an esteemed star in its own rights.
Early Memories of New Guinea Impatiens hitting the garden market.
Photo: Costa Farms
One of my first jobs in horticulture was working in a local garden center. I recall there was actually some excitement when New Guinea Impatiens arrived. The difference from our standard Impatiens was notable – a taller plant, distinctly darker, more elongated leaves and larger flowers. We knew our traditional Impatiens needed shade, but we were told (or assumed) since these Impatiens came from a hot, tropical country like New Guinea, the plant could handle full sun.
Wow – I bought that, it sounded logical to a 17-year-old with limited knowledge of the other side of the world. When the need to back this claim up when advising customers, logically I resorted to my real-life experience. We had a pet Guinea Pig and the Guinea Hens on our farm. Since they didn’t seem to mind the sun, one could conclude these newfangled flowers from New Guinea wouldn’t be bothered with full sun either.
I was wrong on all accounts. Reality hit; Ohio had a hot, dry summer and customers returned wilted and scorched impatiens that I assured them would handle full sun. New Guinea as it turned out, is not just tropical but quite diverse with plains, coastal climates, mountains, etc. Guinea Hens are from Africa, not New Guinea… And Guinea Pigs – from the mountains of Peru, so I wasn’t even close. No wonder the Impatiens fried.
What wisdom was gained from that experience?
Never, never trust Guinea Pigs or Hens. Also, avoid full sun conditions for New Guinea Impatiens. I state that expecting flak as there are garden centers and websites that recommend these plants for FULL SUN. With knowledge that this blog is followed from Michigan to Florida and beyond, we have a commitment to gardeners in both north and south climates and everything in between. Obviously, not an easy task with the wide range of climate and growing environments. We feel it is best we buffer some of our recommendations and error on the side of not exposing plants to the extremes. This doesn’t apply with all plants we cover, but there are species we’re aware of their sensitivity and make recommendations to minimize potential damage.
Photo: Costa Farms
We acknowledge most of the New Guinea Impatiens developed in recent years (without including the SunPatiens, that’s coming) exhibit more tolerance and adaptability of sun conditions than the ones we burned 30+ years ago. Especially in the north, we will see New Guinea Impatiens handling full sun, but we don’t feel it is safe to recommend planting in full sun in all parts of the country. Our contacts in Mississippi, Arkansas, South Carolina, and Florida indicate the intensity of the southern sun, especially all day long, takes its toll.
Like most floral bed Impatiens, they do require an ample amount of water and fall in that category of keeping the soil moist, but not wet. This is best achieved when Impatiens are planted in soil that drains well and maintained with selective, routine watering.
In addition to the Beacon and Imara XDR Impatiens mentioned in the previous blog posting, New Guinea Impatiens are resistant to the Downy Mildew fungus that had been a plague to the standard Impatiens. Be advised though, New Guinea Impatiens are vulnerable to root rot fungus that resides in wet soil.
Photo: The Spruce
New Guinea Impatiens are dependable, non-stop bloomers from their installation in late spring through summer and on to autumn. There are many quality series available from plant breeders on the market as well as new ones released each year. It shouldn’t be difficult to locate variety selections such as Sonic, Paradise, Magnum, Celebration, Divine Mystic or Harmony. All are notable collections of vibrant color and worth watching for at your local garden center. Coming soon – Impatiens that truly handle full sun, perhaps even more than Guinea Pigs and Guinea Hens.
-Rob McCartney, Horticulturist
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