New Guinea Impatiens Impatiens Sun Harmony Compact Lavender = 'Dharsclvdr' (Sun Harmony Series) (NG)
ABOUT
The Impatiens Sun Harmony Compact Lavender, belonging to the Sun Harmony Series, is a vibrant and attractive flowering plant that features a bounty of soft lavender-colored flowers. The blossoms are noted for their round, flat shape and have a distinctive overlapping petal arrangement, giving them a lush look. The center of each flower is subtly darker, often showcasing a gently contrasting hue that adds depth to the overall floral display. Foliage on this plant is rich green and provides a lush backdrop for the flowers, with leaves that are glossy and have a somewhat elongated, elliptical shape with a pointed tip. The leaf arrangement is dense and adds to the bushy, full appearance of the plant. The plant is well-branched, which contributes to its compact and mounded form, allowing the masses of flowers to cover the plant in a profusion of color throughout the blooming season. Overall, the Impatiens Sun Harmony Compact Lavender presents a cheerful and robust presence in any garden or container.
About this plant
- Names
Synonyms
No common names available.
Common names
Impatiens Sun Harmony Compact Lavender 'Dharsclvdr'
- Toxicity
To humans
Impatiens are generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, as with any plant, there can be individual allergic reactions or sensitivities that could cause symptoms if parts of the impatiens are ingested or come into contact with skin. In rare cases, ingestion of Impatiens could potentially cause mild stomach upset. It is always best to avoid ingesting any garden plants not designated as food crops to prevent any unexpected adverse reactions.
To pets
Impatiens plants, which include the Impatiens Sun Harmony Compact Lavender, are widely regarded as non-toxic to pets. They are not listed on common toxic plant databases for dogs and cats. This means that if your pet were to ingest a small part of the plant, it would likely not suffer any severe symptoms of poisoning. However, gastrointestinal upset is possible, as with the ingestion of any non-food item by pets, and symptoms could include vomiting or diarrhea. If you notice your pet displaying signs of distress after eating any plant, it is always wise to contact your veterinarian.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lavender
Height
10-15 inches (25-38 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
Varies
Native area
East Africa
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Improved Aesthetics: Adds vibrant lavender-colored flowers to gardens and landscapes, enhancing visual appeal.
- Long Blooming: Offers a long blooming period, providing color and interest for an extended time.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care, making it a convenient choice for busy gardeners.
- Compact Growth: Suitable for small gardens or containers due to its compact growth habit.
- Drought Tolerance: Can tolerate periods of dryness, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Sun Tolerance: Thrives in sunny conditions where other impatiens may struggle, expanding landscaping options.
- Pollinator Friendly: Attracts beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity.
- Versatility: Can be used in a variety of garden settings, from beds and borders to containers.
- Heat Resistance: Handles heat well, making it ideal for warm climates or hot summer periods.
- Rapid Growth: Grows quickly, allowing for faster establishment and quick filling in of garden areas.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Pressed Flower Art: Impatiens can be carefully pressed and dried to create beautiful artwork or to decorate greeting cards.
- Fabric Dyeing: The petals of the Impatiens can be used in natural dye processes to impart colors to fabrics.
- Photography: With their vibrant colors, Impatiens can be a subject for macro and close-up photography enthusiasts.
- Edible Decoration: Although not commonly eaten, Impatiens flowers are non-toxic and can be used to decorate salads or desserts.
- Scented Sachets: Dried Impatiens flowers can be used to make scented sachets for closets and drawers.
- Children's Crafts: The colorful flowers can be used in crafts, such as making flower crowns or for pressing into homemade paper.
- Garden Pathways: Impatiens can be planted along garden pathways to provide a low-height colorful border that guides visitors through the space.
- Living Mulch: Planting Impatiens densely can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, functioning as a living mulch.
- Seasonal Aquatic Plant Arrangements: The colorful flowers and foliage can be floated in water-filled bowls as part of seasonal decoration.
- Teaching Tool: Impatiens are used in educational settings to teach about plant growth, reproduction, and care.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Impatiens is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Impatiens is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Patience: The common name "Impatiens" is a play on the word 'impatient,' suggesting the attribute of patience, as the plant can remind one to have a calm and understanding demeanor.
- Relaxation: The soothing lavender color of this variety is often associated with relaxation, calming the mind and encouraging a peaceful state.
- Balance: Growing well in both sun and shade, this plant symbolizes balance and adaptability, thriving in various conditions.
- Femininity: The delicate lavender hue is frequently associated with feminine energy and grace.
- Charm: Impatiens are known for their vibrant blooms, representing charm and attractiveness in the language of flowers.
- Water
New Guinea Impatiens require consistent moisture, so water them regularly to keep the soil evenly moist. It's best to water these plants early in the morning or late in the afternoon to reduce water evaporation. Depending on the climate, they may need to be watered every 2-3 days, especially during hot, dry periods. The amount needed will vary with plant size and weather conditions, but on average you should aim to provide about 1 gallon of water per week for each plant. Ensure the water penetrates the soil to reach the root zone without leaving the plant in standing water.
- Light
New Guinea Impatiens thrive best in bright, indirect light. Direct afternoon sunlight can be too intense and may cause damage to the leaves. The ideal spot for these impatiens is one where they can receive morning sunlight and then dappled or filtered light during the stronger afternoon hours. They can adapt to medium light conditions, but flowering may be reduced.
- Temperature
New Guinea Impatiens prefer warm conditions and do best with daytime temperatures between 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, while nights should not drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate a maximum temperature up to around 90 degrees Fahrenheit. If temperatures consistently fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit or exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit, the plant may suffer and possibly die.
- Pruning
Regular pruning of New Guinea Impatiens is necessary to promote bushier growth and enhance flowering. Deadhead spent blooms and prune back leggy stems every few weeks to encourage new growth. The best time for pruning is in the late winter or early spring, just before the onset of the growing season, as this helps to stimulate new growth and prepare the plant for the blooming period.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
For New Guinea Impatiens, a well-draining peat-based potting mix with added perlite or vermiculite is ideal. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5. Regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer will support their growth.
- Repotting
New Guinea Impatiens should be repotted annually or when they outgrow their pots. Early spring is the best time for repotting to allow the plant to establish before the growing season.
- Humidity & Misting
New Guinea Impatiens thrive in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 50% and 70%. Avoid placing them near heating vents or in drafty areas that could dry out the air.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place New Guinea Impatiens in bright, indirect light away from drafts.
Outdoor
Grow in partial shade, water when topsoil is dry.
Hardiness zone
10-12 USDA
- Life cycle
Impatiens Sun Harmony Compact Lavender begins its life as a seed, which under suitable conditions of warmth and moisture, germinates and grows into a seedling. The seedling develops true leaves and establishes a root system before transitioning into the vegetative stage, where it focuses on leafy growth. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage, prompted by the right combination of light and temperature, and produces lavender flowers that attract pollinators. Following pollination, the flowers develop into seed capsules that eventually burst open, dispersing seeds for the next generation. The plant may then enter a period of senescence, where growth slows and the plant begins to decline, especially if it is an annual. If the plant is perennial, it may enter a dormancy stage during adverse conditions, only to re-sprout and repeat the cycle when conditions are favorable.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring to Summer
Impatiens Sun Harmony Compact Lavender, also known as New Guinea Impatiens, is propagated most effectively through stem cuttings. The ideal time for taking cuttings is during late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a 4 to 6-inch (about 10 to 15 cm) length just below a leaf node. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting to expose the nodes, as these will form the roots. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth and insert the cutting into a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix, ensuring at least one or two nodes are buried. Keep the potting mix moist but not waterlogged, and place the cutting in a warm, brightly lit area away from direct sunlight. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new plant can be transferred to a larger pot or planted outdoors if the climate is suitable.