Impatiens New Guinea

• Originally developed from wild impatiens species found in New Guinea and Indonesia, these hybrids were bred for superior heat tolerance and larger flowers. They've become one of the most popular bedding plants worldwide.
• Features glossy, often variegated foliage in bronze, green, or burgundy tones that provides ornamental value even when not flowering. The leaves can be as decorative as the blooms themselves.
• Produces large, flat flowers up to 6cm across in vibrant colours including pink, red, orange, white, and bi-colours throughout warm months. Flowers have a distinctive flat, open face unlike other impatiens.
• Grows as a compact, bushy annual reaching 30-40cm tall and wide, making it perfect for containers, borders, and mass plantings. Self-cleaning flowers rarely need deadheading.

• Water every 2-3 days when top soil feels dry, maintaining consistent moisture without waterlogging - increase frequency in hot weather and reduce in winter. Always check soil moisture before watering.
• Position in bright, indirect light or morning sun with afternoon protection - avoid harsh midday sun which can damage leaves and flowers. Indoor plants need bright windows without direct sunlight.
• Use quality potting mix with good drainage for containers, or enrich garden beds with compost and ensure water doesn't pool. Mulch outdoor plantings to retain moisture.
• Feed fortnightly with balanced liquid fertiliser during growing season (September to April) to promote continuous flowering. Reduce to monthly feeding in cooler months.
• Pinch growing tips regularly to encourage bushy growth and deadhead spent blooms to extend flowering period. Remove any yellowing or damaged leaves promptly.
• Maintain humidity around plants by grouping containers or using humidity trays indoors. Mist around plants but avoid wetting leaves directly.
• Protect from frost and temperatures below 10°C - move containers to sheltered spots or indoors during winter. In cold areas, treat as annual and replant each spring.

• Provide bright, indirect light or morning sun with afternoon shade - avoid intense midday sun which can scorch leaves and flowers. Indoor plants need a bright window but not direct sunlight.
• Water when top inch of soil feels dry, maintaining consistent moisture without waterlogging - typically every 2-3 days in warm weather. Reduce watering in cooler months and ensure good drainage always.
• Maintain humidity levels around 50-60% by grouping plants together or using humidity trays indoors. Outdoor plants benefit from mulching to retain moisture.
• Keep temperatures between 18-24°C for optimal growth and flowering - protect from frost and cold winds below 10°C. Move containers to sheltered spots during winter.
• Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming and pinch growing tips to promote bushy growth. Apply liquid fertiliser fortnightly during growing season.

• Aphids can cluster on new growth and flower buds - spray with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap weekly until cleared. Check plants regularly during warm weather when aphids are most active.
• Fungal diseases like downy mildew occur in humid, poorly ventilated conditions - improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Remove affected leaves immediately and apply fungicide if severe.
• Root rot develops from overwatering or poor drainage - ensure pots have drainage holes and soil feels dry before watering. Move affected plants to well-draining soil and reduce watering frequency.
• Spider mites cause stippled, yellowing leaves in hot, dry conditions - increase humidity around plants and spray with water regularly. Use miticide for severe infestations.