New Guinea Impatiens is a popular and versatile plants often grown in gardens and containers. Both plants belong to the Balsaminaceae family, and they share many similarities, such as their large, showy flowers and their preference for well-drained, fertile soil.
New Guinea Impatiens
New Guinea Impatiens, also known as Impatiens hawkeri, is a hybrid of several species of Impatiens native to Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. The plant is typically grown as a perennial but can be grown as an annual in colder climates.
The flowers of New Guinea Impatiens can be single or double, and they come in pink, red, orange, lavender, and white. The flowers grow on short stems that arise from the tips of the plant’s branches. The leaves of New Guinea Impatiens are oval-shaped and glossy and can grow up to 6 inches long.
New Guinea Impatiens prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter, and it requires regular watering. The plant can be grown in full sun or partial shade. New Guinea Impatiens can be propagated by seed or by stem cuttings, and it is relatively easy to grow and care for.
SunPatiens
SunPatiens is a patented hybrid of several Impatiens species developed by the Japanese breeding company Suntory Flowers. SunPatiens is known for its large, vibrant flowers that bloom from spring to fall and its tolerance to sun, heat, and humidity.
The flowers of SunPatiens are borne on long, sturdy stems that arise from the plant’s branches, making them ideal for use in cut flower arrangements. The leaves of SunPatiens are dark green and slightly serrated, and they can grow up to 4 inches long.
SunPatiens is a more sun-tolerant plant than New Guinea Impatiens, and it can be grown in full sun or partial shade. Though it prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter and requires regular watering, it can be grown in a variety of conditions.