I found this article about New Guinea Impatiens which are fun to grow. But the cultivar that we grow here is Sunpatiens which are really easy to grow both for the greenhouse and for your garden. They do love the sun, and give blooms all season long. So take that in mind when you read this article that Sunpatiens is part of the New Guinea Impatiens, just a different cultivar.
Expect your New Guinea impatiens to start blooming early in the season, if they aren't already in bloom when you buy them. They will bloom continuously, if they are getting enough sun and water. With few pests or problems, New Guinea impatiens offer low maintenance and high performance
Few flowers are as popular as impatiens, (Impatiens walleriana). They are one of the few flowers that bloom continuously and thrive in shade, with little care. If you've ever wished you could find a similar long bloomer for a sunny spot in the garden, take a look at their cousin, the New Guinea impatien, Impatiens hawkeri.
New Guinea impatiens form small clumps and hold their many flowers above their foliage, where they make a colorful display. No deadheading is required to keep them repeat blooming for months. With few pests or problems, New Guinea impatiens offer low maintenance and high performance.
Leaves: Glossy, dark green, burgundy, or variegated, pointed, oblong leaves. The leaves stay attractive throughout the season. Flowers: The flowers are similar, but larger than the flowers of common impatiens and they come in just about every color but true blue. New varieties are introduced yearly.
Sun exposure depends on how hot it is and how much moisture the plants receive. New Guinea impatiens do best in a least a half day of full sun. If the soil dry or temperatures are extreme, they will need up to a half day of shade. These are low, clumping forming plants that grow about 12 - 18 inches tall and spread 6 - 9 inches wide.
Expect your New Guinea impatiens to start blooming early in the season, if they aren't already in bloom when you buy them. They will bloom continuously, if they are getting enough sun and water.
Soil: New Guinea impatiens like a slightly acidic soil pH in the range of 6.0 - 6.5, but they are not terribly particular about it. They will need a well draining soil, that holds moisture long enough for the roots to soak it up. New Guinea impatiens are not drought tolerant, but you don't want them sitting in damp soil for long periods or their crowns could rot.
Do not plant outside until all danger of frost has passed. New Guinea impatiens are heavy feeders, so add a good amount of organic matter to the soil. Plant at the same level they are in their pots. Once in the ground, give them a good drink of water, to help them establish.
Water: These plants need regular water. Do not let them remain dry for extended periods or they will stop blooming and potentially die. Fertilizer: Since New Guinea impatiens bloom their little hearts out, they will need some supplemental fertilizer. Give them a dose of your favorite water soluble food every 3 - 4 weeks. Maintenance: Except for water and food, there really is not maintenance needed. You should keep the area weeded, so there is less competition for water, but that's about it.
New Guinea impatiens make wonderful container plants. Having them in pots lets you get an eye level view. They are also terrific for edging a walkway or the front of a border. If you want to mix it into your border, plant them in a large block, for impact.
taken from http://gardening.about.com/od/annuals/fl/How-to-Grow-and-Care-for-New-Guinea
Till next time, this is Becky Litterer from Becky's Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa
Expect your New Guinea impatiens to start blooming early in the season, if they aren't already in bloom when you buy them. They will bloom continuously, if they are getting enough sun and water. With few pests or problems, New Guinea impatiens offer low maintenance and high performance
Few flowers are as popular as impatiens, (Impatiens walleriana). They are one of the few flowers that bloom continuously and thrive in shade, with little care. If you've ever wished you could find a similar long bloomer for a sunny spot in the garden, take a look at their cousin, the New Guinea impatien, Impatiens hawkeri.
New Guinea impatiens form small clumps and hold their many flowers above their foliage, where they make a colorful display. No deadheading is required to keep them repeat blooming for months. With few pests or problems, New Guinea impatiens offer low maintenance and high performance.
Leaves: Glossy, dark green, burgundy, or variegated, pointed, oblong leaves. The leaves stay attractive throughout the season. Flowers: The flowers are similar, but larger than the flowers of common impatiens and they come in just about every color but true blue. New varieties are introduced yearly.
Sun exposure depends on how hot it is and how much moisture the plants receive. New Guinea impatiens do best in a least a half day of full sun. If the soil dry or temperatures are extreme, they will need up to a half day of shade. These are low, clumping forming plants that grow about 12 - 18 inches tall and spread 6 - 9 inches wide.
Expect your New Guinea impatiens to start blooming early in the season, if they aren't already in bloom when you buy them. They will bloom continuously, if they are getting enough sun and water.
Soil: New Guinea impatiens like a slightly acidic soil pH in the range of 6.0 - 6.5, but they are not terribly particular about it. They will need a well draining soil, that holds moisture long enough for the roots to soak it up. New Guinea impatiens are not drought tolerant, but you don't want them sitting in damp soil for long periods or their crowns could rot.
Do not plant outside until all danger of frost has passed. New Guinea impatiens are heavy feeders, so add a good amount of organic matter to the soil. Plant at the same level they are in their pots. Once in the ground, give them a good drink of water, to help them establish.
Water: These plants need regular water. Do not let them remain dry for extended periods or they will stop blooming and potentially die. Fertilizer: Since New Guinea impatiens bloom their little hearts out, they will need some supplemental fertilizer. Give them a dose of your favorite water soluble food every 3 - 4 weeks. Maintenance: Except for water and food, there really is not maintenance needed. You should keep the area weeded, so there is less competition for water, but that's about it.
New Guinea impatiens make wonderful container plants. Having them in pots lets you get an eye level view. They are also terrific for edging a walkway or the front of a border. If you want to mix it into your border, plant them in a large block, for impact.
taken from http://gardening.about.com/od/annuals/fl/How-to-Grow-and-Care-for-New-Guinea
Till next time, this is Becky Litterer from Becky's Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa
