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Impatiens hawkeri is part of the Balsaminaceae family of plants. It is native to Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. Lt. Hawker first collected Impatiens hawkeri, in 1884. They also call it the New Guinea Impatiens. It is a herbaceous perennial. It grows to about 18in or 45cm tall.
The name impatiens is from Latin meaning “impatient”. It refers to the rapid system Impatiens hawkeri releases its seeds. Impatiens hawkeri leaves grow in whorls. They are oval and elliptic and are dark green. The flowers have five petals. The flower colors range from white to pink, orange, red, purple, and violet. Impatiens hawkeri flowers continuously from May to October.
How to grow Impatiens hawkeri:
Grow Impatiens hawkeri in partial shade. Plant it in organically rich, evenly moist but well-drained soil. Ideal location will have some morning sun and afternoon shade. Pinch tips to encourage more branches and bushiness. It is generally pest-free and disease-free. Watch out for mealybugs, thrips, aphids, slugs and snails.
