East Africa and the Midwest (or even the sunny South) are worlds apart when it comes to climate! But because we absolutely love those vibrant, punchy blooms, we still try to make New Guinea Impatiens work in our unpredictable weather. While they handle the summer like champs, winter can be a total disaster for these beauties—unless you step in to save them.
New Guinea Impatiens are definitely not hardy
It’s not just that New Guinea Impatiens (botanically known as *Impatiens neuguinea*) hate frost; these drama queens start to wilt as soon as temperatures dip below 50°F. With that kind of sensitivity to the cold, they don’t stand a chance of surviving a North American winter outdoors. Even the best mulch or burlap wrap won’t help here. In most of our garden beds, they are strictly annuals. That’s perfectly fine if you plan on planting new ones or starting from seed every spring.
Container gardening extends their life
The secret to keeping these “Lizzies” alive is to treat them like houseplants during the winter. This makes overwintering totally doable, but there’s a catch: the plant needs to be in a pot. You can either grow them in containers from the start or transplant them from the garden in early fall by following these steps:
- Get them into pots by mid-September.
- Dig the plant up carefully to keep the root ball intact.
- Gently shake off excess soil and trim away any mushy or rotten roots.
- Repot in fresh, well-draining, nutrient-rich potting mix.
- Keep them outside for a little longer to adjust, but shield them from harsh, direct sun.
As soon as the thermometer starts flirting with those low 50s, it’s time for your Impatiens to leave its outdoor spot and move into its winter home.
What makes a perfect winter indoor spot?
Your New Guinea Impatiens likes its winter home to feel a lot like its summer home. Even though it slows down for a “winter rest,” it stays evergreen. Here’s what the ideal indoor spot looks like:
- Temperatures between 60°F and 68°F.
- Plenty of bright light and morning sun.
- Protection from harsh midday sun and chilly drafts.
- Humid air rather than dry heat.
Quick Tip:
If your home gets very dry in the winter (thanks, central heating!), pests like spider mites might move in. Use a humidifier to keep your plant happy, or give it a regular misting with water to keep the humidity up.
Winter care is key
Even in their winter quarters, New Guinea Impatiens keep growing a little bit. You’ll need to support them with some basic maintenance:
- Water regularly but sparingly—never let them sit in soggy soil.
- Feed them with a liquid fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks.
- Snip off spent blooms and yellowing leaves right away.
- Keep a close eye out for any signs of pests or fungus.
Moving back outdoors
If your plants are staying in pots, spring is the time to repot them if they’ve outgrown their space. Around March or April, give them a good haircut—pruning them back by about 60% will encourage bushy, fresh new growth.
Don’t move them back outside permanently until mid-May (or whenever the danger of frost has completely passed in your area). You can “harden them off” by putting them outside for a few hours at a time on warm days. This helps them soak up some real sun and get used to the outdoor air again without getting shocked.
