Botanical Name: Impatiens hawkeri ‘Petticoat® Dark Red’

Common Name: New Guinea Impatiens

Hardiness Zone: Grown as an Annual in Most Climates (Perennial in USDA Zones 10–11)

Size: 14–18" Tall × 16–20" Spread

Growth Habit: Upright, Mounded, Well-Branched Habit

Sunlight: Partial Shade to Bright Shade (Tolerates Morning Sun)

Soil: Rich, Well-Drained Soil

Water Needs: Moderate; Prefers Consistent Moisture

Bloom Season: Late Spring through Frost

Fertilizer: Light, Regular Feeding for Best Performance

Features: Deep Red Blooms, Dramatically Dark Foliage, Strong Contrast, Excellent Shade Performance

Uses: Shade Containers, Mixed Containers, Borders, Accent Plantings, Covered Patios

Patent: ✔ Patented

Propagation: ❌ Propagation Prohibited Without License

See our complete New Guinea Impatiens Plant Guide for full care details.

More About New Guinea Impatiens ‘Petticoat® Dark Red’

New Guinea Impatiens ‘Petticoat® Dark Red’ is prized for its bold, velvety red blooms set against nearly black foliage, creating one of the highest-contrast looks available for shade plantings. The dark leaves provide a dramatic backdrop that makes the flowers stand out even in low-light conditions, giving containers and garden beds a polished, intentional appearance. As part of the Petticoat® Series, this variety was bred specifically for foliage impact as well as flower performance, offering both visual depth and season-long color.

Unlike lighter-colored New Guinea Impatiens, ‘Dark Red’ brings structure and weight to plantings, helping anchor mixed combinations and elevate overall design. It performs especially well as a focal plant in containers, where its rich tones can be fully appreciated up close.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trials, ‘Petticoat® Dark Red’ has shown excellent vigor and consistent flowering in partial shade and bright filtered light. Plants maintain dense growth, clean foliage, and strong bloom coverage throughout the season with minimal intervention. We especially value its reliability in containers, where the dark foliage holds its color even during periods of heat and humidity.

What truly sets this variety apart is its design versatility. The deep red blooms pair beautifully with whites, silvers, chartreuse foliage, and softer pastels, making it easy to build high-contrast shade combinations that feel intentional rather than busy.

Petticoat® ‘Dark Red’ vs. Other New Guinea Impatiens

Petticoat® ‘Dark Red’ is the boldest, most dramatic option in the Petticoat® Series, thanks to its deep red blooms set against nearly black foliage. Compared to Pink Berry and White Wonder, it delivers the highest contrast and strongest visual weight, making it ideal as a focal plant in containers or shaded entryways. The dark foliage also helps anchor mixed plantings, giving designs a more structured, polished appearance even in low light.

When placed next to Sonic® varieties, ‘Dark Red’ reads richer and more upscale, favoring depth and drama over softness or mass color. It’s the go-to choice when you want shade plantings to feel intentional and high-impact rather than simply colorful. Petticoat® ‘Dark Red’ is the choice when you want maximum contrast and a true focal point that commands attention in shade.