Paradise Timor

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Balsaminaceae

Order

Ericales

Genus

Impatiens

Species

hawkeri

Description

Hybrid obtained from crosses and selections between different wild species belonging to the genus Impatiens. It is a herbaceous plant, perennial in its native places but often cultivated as an annual in European gardens, with vigorous growth and an upright habit. It is one of the most widely used flowering ornamentals, depending on variety, both in large green areas such as landscaped flower beds and roadside roundabouts, and to embellish spaces such as terraces and balconies in planters and pots. Flowering lasts continuously from mid-spring until early-mid autumn with a profusion of large flowers with a scenic effect and high aesthetic value. Sunpatiens is one of the New Guinea varieties characterised by its particular resistance to direct sunlight. Belonging to the same botanical genus is Impatiens walleriana known as glass flower, a species also widely used in ornamentals.

Species Video

https://youtu.be/aX3uyOvHllU

Varietal description

Impatiens new guinea early with medium flower and glossy green foliage. A beautiful plant used to colour mid-shade and shady areas. It is more elegant but also more delicate than sunpatiens. It is not advisable to plant it in a greenhouse too early because it suffers from short days with less than 10 hours of light, especially if it does not warm up properly, i.e. above 14°c.

curiosity and special features

The genus name, Impatiens, derives from 'impatience' in reference to the dehiscent capsule-like fruits which, when touched, release the seeds contained within, dispersing them vigorously, which is why the wild species in Italy is called Impatiens noli-tangere meaning 'don't touch me'; the specific epithet, New Guinea, derives instead from the plant's area of origin.

Origin and Diffusion

It belongs to the genus Impatiens, comprising about 800 species mainly native to Asia and Africa; it was introduced to Europe in the 1800s and later cultivated as Impatiens hawkeri, a species native to Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. Today, it is one of the main plants cultivated for ornamental purposes in America and Europe. The varieties currently on the market are hybrids, the first series of which date back to 1972, obtained through selections and crosses between wild species belonging to the same genus and discovered in New Guinea during an American expedition.

Flower size

Large flower compared to other varieties; Impatiens New Guinea often have larger flowers than the Wallerian species.

Leaf

Leaf has a lanceolate lamina.

Flowering period

Flowering lasts from mid-spring to early autumn for 160 to 200 days, this long period makes it one of the best ornamental flowering solutions that will add colour and elegance to your green spaces for almost three seasons.

Leaf color

Solid colours.

Plant height

The plant's height varies from 0.35 to 0.5 m; it grows and flowers extensively in the spring-summer period, giving an excellent result both in pots and in landscaping, even in mixed compositions.

Lifespan

Plant grown as an annual.

Suggested planting locations

The persistence and continuity of the flowering makes it ideal for decorating spaces and areas such as balconies, terraces, tubs

Stem/stem

Herbaceous stem, the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower has a simple, large form with an irregular corolla and solid-coloured petals. It is arranged in large inflorescences. It flowers from mid-spring to early autumn, with a flowering period of 160 to 200 days. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

Growth

Compact Growth plant, appreciated by hobbyists, landscapers and gardeners.

Plant habit

A variety with an erect habit, when grown in homogeneous groups it tends to create cushion-like covers with a hemispherical shape and bright, vibrant colours.

branching

The developed branching is abundant, giving a pleasant decorative appearance with the presence of colourful patches of flowers in formal balance with the foliage.

pH

The optimum pH of the soil or substrate is between 5.8 and 6.5. High values can lead to Iron deficiencies, while a pH below the ideal minimum value leads to Iron and Manganese excesses.

soil preparation

Before transplanting, carry out light digging, removing weeds and any previous crop residues, stones or pebbles. Bury slow-release organic or chemical fertiliser and break up coarser clods. To promote proper drainage, continue by creating a raised bed by slight berming. Add professional quality substrate on the surface for about 5/10 cm and level the soil surface well. These measures will allow a rapid resumption of root development and the start of a long and abundant flowering period.

sun exposure

It offers excellent vegetative Growth and flowering results when exposed to shelter from the wind in half-shade, shade and light shade.

Ideal climate and temperature

It prefers mild climates free of temperature fluctuations. The ideal temperature is between 18 and 24 °C, in which range it offers the greatest decorative effect. The vital temperature is between 8 and 35 °C

Use

Appreciated for its prolonged and luxuriant flowering, it is an excellent solution in areas such as

Outdoor ornamental Outdoor Landscape Design

Hardiness

It is considered a variety of medium hardiness, adapting to soil and climatic conditions that are not always optimal for other outdoor ornamental species.

Soil/medium

It prefers medium-textured, well-drained soil; for use in pots and planters a substrate for spring plants containing peat and perlite is recommended.

Maintenance

Cultivation of this variety is moderately difficult; in a flower bed or planter it can offer excellent results by applying simple maintenance measures with an overall low level of management effort.

cultivation tips

Here are some useful cultivation tips for best growth and flowering results:

With too little light, plants do not flower Avoid over-watering Avoid direct sunlight during the hottest hours In summer it is preferable to place the plants in sunny sites only in the morning or in shade during the hottest hours.

With these tips we will also know how best to identify and manage the ideal planting location, i.e. a mild climate without temperature fluctuations and well-drained, fertile soil.

Composition

It is possible to use it in compositions, mixed or single-colour; colour combinations can include shades of the same hue or an alternation by choosing from the different varieties available, composing designs or patterns according to personal fantasy and forming patches of colour or simple borders. We recommend combinations with Ageratum houstonianum, Begonia x hybrida, Canna indica, Coleus blumei, Euphorbia hypericifolia, Lobularia x hybrida, Salvia farinacea, Solenostemon coleoides, Zinnia elegans, Zinnia marylandica.

Even in a smaller space such as pots or planters, it can be placed alternately with plants with decorative foliage such as Senecio cineraria or by combining, as in the garden, varieties with flowers in different shades.

planting

To allow each specimen to express the best growth vigour we recommend an average density in the bed of 20 plants per square metre, thus obtaining a balanced and proportionate final composition. We suggest placing each seedling on a raised bed with the collar outside the soil surface, taking care not to damage the roots and avoiding sinking the lump completely, which must be well moistened; finally, water immediately after planting, preferably during the morning hours.

Reproduction/Propagation

The most suitable method is propagation by cuttings, which consists of taking portions of a branch and rooting them in well-drained soil.

Irrigation

Use rainwater, or alternatively aqueduct water with optimal acidic pH, by hand watering or irrigation system. In the first few days after transplanting, maintain a high soil moisture level but without stagnation to ensure proper root development in the new planting site. Afterwards, allow the soil or substrate to dry out slightly between waterings, avoiding both dry blows, resulting in loss of leaves and smaller flowers, and excessive watering resulting in root rot, loss of basal leaves and brown burns on apical leaves.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Fertilization

During soil preparation, carry out background fertilisation by burying slow-release organic or chemical fertiliser. During the spring-summer period, following proper post-transplant settling, apply a balanced liquid fertiliser specifically for ornamental plants to the medium or soil, to be diluted in the irrigation water according to the appropriate doses and frequencies as indicated on the relevant information label.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Pet friendly

Toxicity to pets not known; consider the specific case and consult with your veterinarian in case of ingestion.

Edibility for humans

Inedible.

Human toxicity

Ingestion toxicity not known, avoid ingestion.

advise 1

On the balcony it should be placed when the minimum temperatures are permanently above 13°C, otherwise the plant may stop growing for a long time. It should not be fertilised a lot if it is transplanted in a tray or pot; limit to twice a month, waiting at least a month after transplanting.