Getting your New Guinea Impatiens into the ground only takes a few minutes, and honestly, it’s a pretty straightforward job. But since these beauties originally hail from East Africa, there’s a bit more to it than just grabbing a shovel. To give your “New Guineas” the best start possible, you’ll want to do a little prep work first. Here’s how to set them up for success.
Timing is Everything
New Guinea Impatiens (*Impatiens neuguinea*) love the heat, which means they are definitely not fans of the cold. In fact, they start pouting if temperatures drop below 50°F. Because of our unpredictable spring weather, you’ll want to wait until mid-May to plant them outside. Once the threat of frost has passed, you’re good to go!
If you’re starting your plants from seed in March or overwintering a favorite plant from last year, you can repot them earlier if they outgrow their space. Just keep those pots indoors until the outdoor air is consistently warm enough for them to thrive.
Finding the Perfect Spot
Before you start digging, make sure you’ve picked the right location. New Guinea Impatiens crave bright, warm spots with plenty of morning and evening sun. However, they aren’t big fans of that intense, scorching midday heat. An east- or west-facing balcony is usually a perfect match. Indoors, a bright windowsill away from direct, harsh light works wonders. Try to avoid deep shade; while they’ll survive, they won’t grow much or produce those vibrant blooms we all love.
As for the soil, aim for something rich in organic matter, nutrient-dense, and well-draining. You want soil that stays moist but doesn’t get “swampy.”
Pro Tip:
If you can find a spot with a little overhead cover, go for it! While these plants are pretty tough against a light shower, constant heavy rain can lead to fungal issues.
Pots and Soil for Container Gardening
Whether you prefer traditional pots, window boxes, or hanging baskets, New Guinea Impatiens are happy just about anywhere. Just make sure your containers have drainage holes so the roots don’t sit in water. Standard high-quality potting soil works great, but I always recommend adding a layer of gravel or clay pebbles at the bottom for extra drainage. If you want to save your plants from the winter chill, dig them up in late September, pop them back into a pot, and bring them inside for the season.
Great Neighbors for New Guinea Impatiens
One of the best things about these plants is how well they play with others. You can create some stunning arrangements by mixing and matching, as long as everyone shares the same love for light and water. Here are a few of my favorite companions for New Guinea Impatiens:
- Aubrieta (False Rockcress)
- Coleus
- Diascia (Twinspur)
- Hosta
- Sanvitalia (Creeping Zinnia)
- Tuberous Begonias
- Marguerite Daisies
- Gaura (Wand Flower)
- Strawflower
- Verbena
- Lantana
- Ornamental Grasses
