![](https://steemitimages.com/640x0/http://search.shelmerdine.com/Content/Images/Photos/F710-16.jpg)
Impatiens hawkeri is native to Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. They have been popular as a greenhouse plant since the 19th century, but they have been improved by much hybridisation in recent years.
![](https://steemitimages.com/640x0/https://www.nurseriesonline.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/new-guinea-impatiens.jpg)
They have the same rich, jewel-like flower colours of the ordinary 'busy Lizzy' (Impatiens walleriana) and also bloom very well in shade. However, the flowers are larger and more showy, and the plants are more sun-tolerant than their cousins, which wilt dramatically if exposed to direct sunlight.
![](https://steemitimages.com/640x0/https://cdn.nexternal.com/romence/images/ngimp_rufflav_main.jpg)
Morning sun seems to be best for the New Guinea varieties; too much sun can apparently be detrimental - though some are marketed as being quite sun-hardy, as long as they are kept well watered.
![](https://steemitimages.com/640x0/http://search.shelmerdine.com/Content/Images/Photos/F755-11.jpg)
They are not afflicted by the 'impatiens downy mildew' that has wiped out busy Lizzies all around the world. There is currently no cure for this disease.
![](https://steemitimages.com/640x0/https://www.darwinplants.com.au/10531432-187y/upload/images/lg/11106.png)
The plants have a neat, mounded shape, to a height of 20 to 30 cm. They are perfect for containers - in a big pot, three plants will grow together to form an impressive mass. They are self-cleaning - so no dead-heading is required.
Wonderful Pics !!