Impatiens hawkeri
Impatiens hawkeri is the New Guinea impatiens grown for larger flowers and showy foliage. Plants thrive in bright shade or morning sun with afternoon shade. They bloom steadily from late spring to frost in warm conditions. Leaves are broader and often glossier than common impatiens, and colors are vivid. This species is grown as an annual across most of North America and as a tender perennial in frost‑free zones. New Guinea types show better tolerance to impatiens downy mildew than standard bedding impatiens. They are considered non‑toxic to pets.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: New Guinea impatiens
- Height × spread: 12–24 in (30–60 cm) × 12–24 in (30–60 cm)
- Bloom window: late spring to frost
- Color & flower form: large single flowers in white, pink, red, violet, orange; some bicolors
- Fragrance: 0 none
- USDA hardiness: grown as annual in most of North America; tender perennial in Zones 10–12
- Breeder / Year / Origin: W. Bull, 1886, Papua New Guinea to Solomon Islands
- Pet safety: safe
How it differs
- Bigger flowers and leaves than common bedding impatiens.
- Tolerates brighter light and warmer conditions.
- Generally less affected by impatiens downy mildew.
- More dramatic foliage with bronze or variegated types.
Strengths
- Showy color in bright shade settings.
- Good performance in containers and large planters.
- Extended bloom under consistent moisture.
Care in one minute
- Site: part shade or morning sun with afternoon shade.
- Soil: organic, well‑drained, slightly acidic to neutral.
- Water: consistent moisture; avoid waterlogging.
- Feeding: regular light feed to support continuous bloom.
- Grooming: pinch to shape if needed; no deadheading required.
- Overwintering: treat as annual outside Zones 10 to 12.
Watch‑outs
- Needs regular watering in heat to avoid wilting.
- May scorch in full midday sun in hot, humid summers.
- Sensitive to cold; do not plant before danger of frost.
Best uses (tags)
containers, borders, heat‑tolerant, shade‑tolerant, mass‑planting
Provenance note
note Impatiens hawkeri was collected in Papua New Guinea in the 1880s and reached U.S. gardens in the early 1970s.
References
- NC State Extension – Impatiens hawkeri
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder – Impatiens hawkeri (group)
- Iowa State Extension – Yard and Garden: Impatiens brighten gardens
- ASPCA – Impatiens spp. non‑toxic to cats and dogs
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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