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Description
Impatiens Hawkeri, commonly known as New Guinea Impatiens, is a beautiful flowering plant native to Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. It belongs to the Balsaminaceae family and is a popular choice for gardeners due to its vibrant colors and easy care.The plant can grow up to 60cm in height and has large, dark green leaves that are oval in shape. The flowers are the main attraction, with a wide range of colors including pink, red, purple, white, and orange. They bloom from spring to fall and can last for several weeks.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Balsaminaceae |
| Genus | Impatiens |
Appearance
Impatiens Hawkeri has large, dark green leaves that are oval in shape and up to 15cm long. The flowers are the main attraction, with a wide range of colors including pink, red, purple, white, and orange. They have five petals and a spur at the back, which contains nectar to attract pollinators. The flowers can grow up to 8cm in diameter and bloom from spring to fall.
Care Guide
Impatiens Hawkeri is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for keeping your plant healthy:- Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.- Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.- Soil: Use a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: Impatiens Hawkeri prefers partial shade or filtered sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.- Hardiness Zones: Impatiens Hawkeri is hardy in USDA zones 10-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Impatiens Hawkeri is susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including:- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing leaves and webbing on the plant.- Whiteflies: These insects can cause leaf yellowing and wilting.- Downy mildew: This fungal disease can cause yellowing and wilting of the plant.To prevent these issues, keep the plant well-watered and avoid overhead watering. If you notice any pests or diseases, treat them immediately with an appropriate insecticide or fungicide.
Habitat
Impatiens Hawkeri is native to Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. It grows in moist, shaded areas such as rainforests and along riverbanks. In cultivation, it is often used as a bedding plant or in containers.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Impatiens Hawkeri grow in full sun?
A: No, Impatiens Hawkeri prefers partial shade or filtered sunlight. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Impatiens Hawkeri?
A: Use a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.
Q: What are the common pests and diseases of Impatiens Hawkeri?
A: Spider mites, whiteflies, and downy mildew are common pests and diseases of Impatiens Hawkeri.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Impatiens Hawkeri?
A: Impatiens Hawkeri is hardy in USDA zones 10-11.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Impatiens Hawkeri:- Impatiens walleriana (Busy Lizzie)- Impatiens balsamina (Garden Balsam)- Impatiens sodenii (Sodeni’s Balsam)
References
– “Impatiens Hawkeri.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a564.- “Impatiens Hawkeri.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/94104/Impatiens-hawkeri/Details.
