Botanical Name: Impatiens hawkeri 'Petticoat® ‘Red Star’ Common Name: New Guinea Impatiens Hardiness Zone: Grown as an Annual in Most Climates (Perennial in USDA Zones 10–11) Size: 12–18" Tall × 14–20" 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: Ruffled Scarlet-Red Blooms with Star-Like Pattern, Glossy Green Foliage, Excellent Shade Performance Uses: Shade Containers, Hanging Baskets, Borders, Mass 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® ‘Red Star’

New Guinea Impatiens Petticoat® ‘Red Star’ is a bold, eye-catching selection known for its dramatic ruffled red flowers accented by a subtle star-like pattern at the center. The layered petals give the blooms a full, textured appearance that sets this variety apart from traditional impatiens. The vivid red flowers are held above lush, glossy green foliage, delivering strong contrast and a polished, premium look that performs beautifully in shaded spaces.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trials, ‘Red Star’ has proven to be vigorous, uniform, and long-blooming, maintaining consistent flower coverage throughout the season when provided with steady moisture. It fills containers evenly and holds up well in bright shade and filtered light. We especially appreciate its color impact. Red can be difficult to pull off in shade, but ‘Red Star’ retains depth and intensity without fading, making it an excellent focal plant in shade containers and landscape groupings.

Petticoat® ‘Red Star’ vs. Other Petticoat Varieties

‘Red Star’ stands apart within the Petticoat® Series due to its distinctive star-patterned bloom, offering more visual detail than the solid-color flowers of Dark Red and Pink Berry. While it still benefits from the same dark foliage base, its patterned flowers create a lighter, more playful look. This added pattern gives the plant more movement and interest, especially when viewed up close in containers or along walkways.

Compared to Sonic® ‘Salmon,’ ‘Red Star’ feels more refined and contrast-driven, while Sonic leans toward uniform mass color. This makes ‘Red Star’ especially effective in mixed containers where close-up interest matters. Petticoat® ‘Red Star works especially well when you want dark foliage drama paired with added visual detail and personality up close.