SunPatiens: Bold, Reliable Color for Long Island Gardens

Annuals

SunPatiens® bring vibrant, season-long color to beds, borders, and containers across Long Island. In fact, these hardworking impatiens are bred to thrive in full sun to part shade, delivering nonstop blooms from spring until frost with minimal care. Large petals, glossy foliage, and a tidy habit make SunPatiens plants an easy choice for high-impact displays at home entrances, patios, and along walkways. Plus, visit Hicks Nurseries to explore a wide selection of SunPatiens colors and sizes for every garden style.

Several bright orange impatiens flowers with five petals each bloom among dark green, lance-shaped leaves. The flowers have a small, pale center and are clustered closely together in the foliage.

Orange SunPatiens

A close-up of a bright pink flower with five smooth petals and dark green leaves in the background.

Purple Candy SunPatiens

Cluster of pale pink impatiens flowers with five petals each, surrounded by green leaves with yellow variegation.

White Sunpatiens with Variegated Leaves

Why SunPatiens Are Perfect for Long Island

Warm summers and humid spells can challenge many annuals. However, SunPatiens plants handle these conditions with ease. Thick petals, sturdy stems, and resilient foliage help them bounce back quickly after hot afternoons and summer storms.

  • Dependable in full sun to part shade
  • Continuous bloom from spring through frost
  • Excellent tolerance of heat, humidity, and rain
  • Low-maintenance performance for any skill level

Choose them for high-visibility spots that need consistent color.

    What are SunPatiens?

    SunPatiens are hybrid impatiens selected for strength, sun tolerance, and long flowering. Unlike traditional impatiens, they thrive in brighter locations and keep blooming without deadheading. Because of this, they’re ideal for sunny landscape beds, mass plantings, foundation areas, containers, and hanging baskets.

    In addition, with a wide range of SunPatiens colors—from soft pastels to saturated hues—designing striking combinations is easy. Mix complementary tones for a cohesive look, or use contrasting shades to create bold focal points.

      A large yellow planter filled with vibrant red and orange flowers sits on a stone patio near a red chair and a garden pond surrounded by rocks and greenery.

      Bring on the heat with this vibrant mix of orange SunPatiens, coleus, canna and lantana.

      A gray ceramic planter filled with white flowers, tall ornamental grass, and greenery sits on a stone patio, with a garden and stone wall in the background.

      Elegant and eye-catching – white SunPatiens, snapdragons, dichondra, euphorbia & fountain grass.

      Growth & Size

      Fast growth and uniform habits help SunPatiens fill in quickly and create a polished appearance.

      • Compact varieties: 14–28 inches tall
      • Vigorous varieties: 18–34 inches tall with broader spread

      This means you to tailor SunPatiens plants to your space. For example, use compact forms for edging a path, while vigorous types can fill large beds for a dramatic sweep of SunPatiens flowers.

        SunPatiens Care Tips

        Planting: Plant after the last frost when soil is at least 60°F.

        Watering: Water deeply, then allow soil to dry slightly.

        Feeding: Fertilize every 2–3 weeks or monthly.

        Common issues: Watch for overwatering, nutrient deficiency, or sun scald from water droplets.

          A metal garden chair sits next to a flowerpot filled with colorful blooming flowers on a stone patio, with a pond and lush greenery in the background. A magazine rests on the chairs seat.

          Compact Royal Magenta SunPatiens pop alongside coleus and airy euphorbia for a bold, balanced planter.

          SunPatiens vs. New Guinea Impatiens

          Category SunPatiens New Guinea Impatiens
          Light needs Full sun to part shade Best in partial shade; avoid hot afternoon sun
          Water More drought-tolerant once established Prefers consistently moist soil
          Durability Resists disease and weather stress More sensitive to humidity and fungal issues
          Size Larger, more vigorous (about 18–36 inches) More compact (about 12–18 inches)
          Maintenance Low-maintenance, self-cleaning Requires closer attention to water and feeding
            A close-up of a bright pink flower with five petals, surrounded by green, lance-shaped leaves and blurred foliage in the background. Sunlight highlights the flower and some of the leaves.

            Neon Pink SunPatiens

            new guinea impatiens on a window sill

            Pink New Guinea Impatiens

            Frequently Asked Questions

            Do SunPatiens grow in full sun?
            Yes. SunPatiens plants are bred for full sun to part shade and outperform traditional impatiens in bright locations.

            How often should I water?
            Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. In general, containers may need daily watering in extreme heat; in-ground plantings prefer deeper, less frequent watering.

            Do they need deadheading?
            No. In fact, SunPatiens flowers are self-cleaning and continue to bloom. Light trimming in midsummer can refresh shape if plants stretch.

            Annual or perennial?
            On Long Island, SunPatiens are grown as warm-season annuals and flower until frost.

              SunPatiens deliver vivid, long-lasting color with very little effort. Their sun tolerance, resilience in heat and humidity, and wide array of SunPatiens colors make them a smart choice for Long Island landscapes. Whether you’re planting a large bed or refreshing porch containers, choose SunPatiens plants from Hicks Nurseries for dependable performance and nonstop blooms all season.

              SunPatiens® is a registered trademark of Sakata Seed Corporation.

                Additional Information:

                How to Grow Annuals

                SHOP Supplies