Impatiens hawkeri, commonly known as New Guinea Impatiens, is a species within the vast genus of Impatiens which in turn belongs to the balsalminaceae family. It is native to the Melanesian island of New Guinea and has only very recently been introduced to the nursery industry after being discovered on a plant expedition in the 1970s.

Through modern breeding techniques, the gangly and poor flowering specimens have been transformed into one of the most popular bedding plants, with extra large flowers and excellent compact branching habits.

Impatiens form compact, succulent sub-shrubs. By summer’s end, they can reach a height of up to 60cm, variety dependent. The leaves are ovate in shape and slightly elongated. The edges are finely serrated and the colours of the leaves are as varied and striking as the flowers. They can either be plain or variegated and the colours include various shades of green, purple, lemon, peach and bronze.

The flowers of the New Guinea are simple in construction, but their size and bold, bright colour is what makes them so striking. The colour palette includes various pinks, purples, lavenders, reds as well as orange and white. Whilst most of the flowers are solid in colour, you will find bicolours in some varieties.

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