Gardeners who can water the plants frequently may want to try them in full sun. However, neglected, unwatered plants quickly wilt and may die. New improved varieties of New Guinea impatiens have been developed through major breeding programs. Several series on the market today provide gardeners with a wide variety of flower and foliage colors. One of the newest seed propagated New Guinea impatiens is the Spectra series.
Plants come in a mixture of flower and foliage colors.
Options abound when it comes to purchasing New Guinea impatiens. Some gardeners purchase plants based on flower color, others are attracted to the brightly colored foliage. The Ball Seed Company in West Chicago, Illinois has conducted field trials of several New Guinea impatiens series over the past 5 years. Plant characteristics evaluated were vigor, flower color, and foliage. Listed below are some of the best performers.