
Light Needs

Mature Height

Mature Spread
Roller Coaster Red Racer New Guinea Impatiens (Impatiens hawkeri) delights with ruffled, double blooms in a bold scarlet hue that continue from late spring into fall. In a semi-shaded corner of the garden, its compact, mounding habit stays around 12 to 16 inches tall and wide. We admire its deeply pigmented flowers and glossy foliage that instantly brighten dim spaces. The layered petals add a special touch of texture not found in standard impatiens varieties.
Native to tropical regions, this selection thrives in partial shade, tolerating warm, humid conditions and offering color where other annuals may struggle. Its neat form suits border plantings, container displays, or massing under tall trees for a quick pop of red against green leaves. Consistent moisture and moderate feeding keep the plant looking its best. Pair it with broad-leaved neighbors such as hostas or coleus for an eye-catching color tapestry.
Roller Coaster Red Racer New Guinea Impatiens Care
Plant in a rich, well-draining soil that retains moisture without becoming soggy. Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH, and water thoroughly about two to three times per week, adjusting for local rainfall. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer applied every couple of weeks encourages robust bud formation. Locate the plants where they receive dappled light or morning sun followed by afternoon shade to reduce wilting and leaf scorch.
Pinch off any fading blooms to keep the display fresh and encourage ongoing flower production. Trim back leggy stems if needed, though the compact growth of Roller Coaster Red Racer often eliminates much of this chore. Containers should contain a porous potting mix, and watering may need to be more frequent in hot spells. Move planters to a sheltered spot if overnight temperatures dip below 55°F.
Roller Coaster Red Racer New Guinea Impatiens Spacing
Allow about 12 to 16 inches of room in borders or mass plantings for the plants to fill out. For a single specimen in a pot, a container around 10 inches wide is usually sufficient. Select a pot size that is proportionate to the plant’s root growth.
Roller Coaster Red Racer New Guinea Impatiens Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 10 - 11 |
Plant Type: |
Light Exposure: Full Shade to Partial Shade (0 - 4 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 1 - 1.5 Feet |
Mature Spread: 1 - 1.5 Feet |
Spacing: 1 - 1.5 Feet |
Habit: Mounded |
Flower Color(s): Red |
Flower Description: Bright Red |
Bloom Period: Spring to Fall |
Foliage Type: Herbaceous |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: glossy, dark green |
Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering, Summer Flowering, Fall Flowering, 3 Season Interest |
Watering: Average |
Resists: Disease |
Tolerates: Heat |
Attracts: Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Container Role: Filler |
Uses: Borders, Combinations, Containers, Edging, Erosion Control, Groundcovers, Hanging Baskets, Mass Planting, Specimen or Focal Point, Sensory Gardens, Wildlife Gardens |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flowers, Deadheading Not Necessary, Foliage Interest, Low Maintenance, Award Winner, Continuous Blooming or Rebloomer |
Brand: Proven Selections |
Common Name: Roller Coaster Red Racer New Guinea Impatiens |
Other Name(s): Impatiens New Guinea |
Scientific Name: Impatiens hawkeri 'Red Racer' |
- SKU:
- RCRRROLLE-GC
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.

Also Known As:
3.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
~1.42 quarts

Also Known As:
4.25" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.93"H x 4.25"W
Volume:
~1.56 pints

Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
~1.50 quarts

Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
~2.26-3.73 quarts

We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind.
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
All annuals, houseplants & vegetables, we provide a 30-day warranty to ensure that your plants thrive.

Pre-ordered plants are scheduled to ship in Spring 2025. We carefully plan our shipping dates based on your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to ensure optimal planting conditions upon arrival. Want it sooner/later? Reach out, and we'll try our best to accommodate.
Estimated ship week for pre-ordered plants will ship based on growing zones as shown below.
Growing Zone | Estimated Ship Week |
---|---|
Zone 10 | March 31th |
Zone 9 | March 31st |
Zone 8 | April 7th |
Zone 7 | April 14th |
Zone 6b | April 21st |
Zone 6a | April 28th |
Zone 5b | May 5th |
Zone 5a | May 12th |
Zone 4 | May 19th |
Zone 3 | May 26th |
Note: These are only estimated ship dates. Plants may ship out later depending on weather & growing conditions of the plant.
Note: Only plants indicated as pre-order will ship as shown above. All other plants and hard goods will ship as normal.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!