Greetings, Gardener. We are the vibrant Impatiens, beloved for our generous blooms that brighten shady spaces. While we share a common name, my New Guinea and Common cousins have distinct preferences. To help us thrive, you must understand our individual needs. Here is our care guide, spoken from the leaf and petal.
First, know our lineage. We Common Impatiens (Impatiens walleriana) hail from the dappled light of East African forests, preferring consistent moisture and rich, organic soil. We are the classic, shade-loving bedding plant. My New Guinea relatives (Impatiens hawkeri) originate from the sun-drenched, well-draining highlands of New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. This fundamental difference in origin dictates nearly all of our care requirements, from sunlight to soil composition.
This is the most critical distinction. We Common Impatiens are true shade-dwellers. Direct, intense afternoon sun will scorch our delicate leaves, causing them to yellow, crisp, and wilt. We perform best in 2-4 hours of gentle morning sun or bright, all-day dappled shade. In contrast, New Guinea Impatiens are sun-worshippers by comparison. They flourish in partial sun, tolerating 4-6 hours of direct sunlight, especially the cooler morning rays. While they can manage in full shade, their stems will become leggy and their flowering will be significantly reduced. They have been bred to handle more light.
Both of us require consistent moisture, but our tolerance for "wet feet" differs. We Common Impatiens have fine, fibrous root systems that demand constantly moist (but not waterlogged) soil. If we dry out, we will wilt dramatically, and repeated stress will lead to dropped buds and flowers. New Guinea Impatiens, with their succulent stems and larger root structures, are slightly more drought-tolerant. They prefer to dry out slightly between waterings. The key for both of us is well-draining soil. We Common Impatiens need it to prevent rot while retaining moisture, and New Guineas need it to avoid soggy conditions they despise.
We are both heavy bloomers and thus, heavy feeders. To produce our continuous display of flowers, we require a steady supply of nutrients. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer applied every two weeks is ideal. Alternatively, a slow-release fertilizer mixed into our soil at planting will provide a steady supply of nourishment throughout the growing season. This consistent feeding schedule is non-negotiable for both of us to maintain our vibrant floral show from spring until the first frost.
This is a somber point for us Common Impatiens. We are highly vulnerable to downy mildew, a devastating soil-borne disease that causes leaf drop and eventual plant collapse. It has made us a risky choice in many gardens. New Guinea Impatiens, however, are highly resistant to this plague. They are the stronger choice where this disease is prevalent. Both of us can attract common pests like aphids and spider mites, but these are manageable with attentive care.
