New Guinea Impatiens, scientifically known as Impatiens hawkeri hybrids, are a popular choice for gardeners seeking continuous color in partially shaded areas. These tropical plants are prized for their large, showy flowers and robust foliage, distinguishing them from the smaller, standard Impatiens walleriana varieties. Modern cultivars are typically propagated from cuttings, resulting in vigorous plants that bloom prolifically until the first frost.
Retail and Online Purchasing Options
Local garden centers and independent nurseries offer a valuable option for acquiring New Guinea Impatiens, often stocking a wider selection of unique cultivars and maintaining plants carefully. Purchasing from a local nursery also provides access to expert advice specific to the regional climate and soil conditions.
Mass retailers and big box stores offer convenience and competitive pricing for bulk purchases of New Guinea Impatiens. These outlets are highly accessible and stock plants in large quantities during the peak spring and summer planting seasons. However, the quality of care can fluctuate, so buyers should inspect plants closely for signs of stress or neglect before making a purchase.
For accessing rare colors or large quantities of immature plants, mail-order specialists and online nurseries are the preferred method. These vendors often ship plants as starter plugs or bare-root divisions. Ordering online is particularly useful for growers who want to start their plants indoors early or who require a specific, hard-to-find series of the hybrid. Factor in shipping costs and minimum order requirements, as these can significantly increase the final price per plant.
Seasonal Availability and Timing
The timing of your purchase is dictated by the New Guinea Impatiens’ tropical origin; they cannot tolerate frost, and tissue damage occurs when nighttime temperatures consistently dip below 45°F. Consequently, most retail garden centers do not stock mature, ready-to-plant specimens until the danger of the last spring frost has completely passed.
Mature, blooming plants are widely available for purchase from late spring through early summer. Buying a plant already in bloom allows for immediate garden color, but its roots may be more developed and potentially root-bound. Gardeners wishing to get a head start can purchase seeds or starter plugs much earlier, often 10 to 12 weeks before the anticipated outdoor planting date. These immature forms require indoor conditions with adequate light and warmth until the soil temperature outdoors is reliably warm enough for transplanting.
Selecting Healthy Plants
A thorough visual inspection ensures the longevity of your New Guinea Impatiens. Focus on the foliage, which should be uniformly dark green, bronze, or variegated, depending on the cultivar, but consistently vibrant. Avoid any plants exhibiting yellowing leaves, brown spotting, or signs of wilting, as these are indicators of fungal issues or severe water stress.
Carefully check the undersides of the leaves and the joints where the leaves meet the stems for common garden pests, such as spider mites or aphids. If the plant is in a pot, gently slide it out to examine the root system; healthy roots should appear white or light tan and fill the pot without circling the base. Selecting plants with numerous unopened flower buds, rather than those already in full bloom, is a wise strategy. A high bud count allows the plant to establish roots more easily after transplanting and provides a longer, continuous flowering display.