How to Grow Paradise Pink
Wikimedia Commons
Paradise Pink
Impatiens hawkeri 'Paradise Pink'
flowerParadise Pink is a vibrant tropical impatiens cultivar featuring deep pink to magenta flowers with striking contrasting foliage of dark burgundy-bronze leaves. This tender perennial is typically grown as an annual in temperate climates and produces continuous blooms in shaded garden spaces. It's prized for adding bold color to shade gardens, containers, and indoor displays.
When should you plant Paradise Pink in your zone?
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Example Paradise Pink timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Paradise Pink
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Paradise Pink blooms
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Paradise Pink dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 10-11; grown as an annual in cooler zones (6-9)
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings with first set of true leaves appearing; delicate and compact growth habit.
Keep seed-starting mix consistently moist. Provide bright, indirect light. Maintain 70-75°F. Avoid damping off by ensuring good air circulation.
Vegetative
3-4 weeksRapid leaf development with stems lengthening; distinctive dark burgundy foliage emerging.
Gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor light if transplanting outside. Pinch growing tips to encourage bushier growth. Apply balanced liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks.
Budding & Early Bloom
2-3 weeksFirst flower buds forming in leaf axils; initial blooms opening to show vibrant pink coloring.
Increase fertilizer frequency to every 1-2 weeks using bloom-promoting formula (higher phosphorus). Maintain consistent moisture and humidity.
Peak Flowering
4-8 weeks or longer with proper careProfuse magenta-pink flowers covering the plant among dark foliage; continuous bloom production.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooms. Maintain consistent watering and weekly fertilizing. Watch for pest issues.
Mature Plant
Until frost (annual) or year-round (tropical zones)Well-established bushy plant with sustained, heavy flowering throughout season.
Continue deadheading and fertilizing. Pinch back leggy growth to maintain compact form. Provide consistent care to prevent decline.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity through regular misting. Spray affected plants with water to dislodge. Use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil if severe. Ensure adequate air circulation.
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Install yellow sticky traps. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 7-10 days. Remove heavily infested leaves.
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Inspect regularly; remove by hand or with alcohol-dipped cotton swabs. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap. Isolate infested plants.
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Improve air circulation. Avoid wetting foliage; water at soil level. Remove affected leaves immediately. Reduce humidity if possible.
Uses
Interior & Outdoor Décor
HouseholdParadise Pink is excellent for brightening shaded interior spaces as a potted houseplant, creating dramatic focal points in shade gardens, and adding tropical flair to patios and containers. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangements
CraftThe vibrant pink blooms with dark foliage make stunning fresh flower arrangements and floral displays, adding bold color contrast to bouquets and table centerpieces. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeThe bright flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies to shaded garden areas, providing valuable nectar sources in locations where sunny flowers cannot thrive. [source]
Shade Garden Solutions
HouseholdImpatiens hawkeri cultivars are among the few flowering plants that reliably produce abundant color in shade, making Paradise Pink an invaluable plant for transforming dark garden corners. [source]
Harvest Tips
Paradise Pink is an ornamental flower, so 'harvest' refers to cutting stems for indoor arrangements. Cut stems in early morning when hydrated. Use sharp, clean shears. Cut just above a leaf node to encourage branching and more flowers. Cut flowers can last 5-7 days in fresh water.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Paradise Pink is a hybrid impatiens (Impatiens hawkeri) bred specifically for vibrant colors and improved disease resistance compared to older impatiens varieties, making it more reliable for gardeners.
- 🌱 The common name 'Impatiens' comes from the plant's seed pods, which burst open and scatter seeds explosively when touched—the name means 'impatient' in Latin due to this eager seed dispersal.
- 🌱 Despite being called an annual in most climates, Paradise Pink is technically a tender tropical perennial that can be overwintered indoors and grown year-round as a houseplant.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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