Impatiens
( im - PAY - shens )
At-A-Glance InformationAlso commonly called Balsam or Touch-Me-Not, this genus of perennial and annual flowering plants need regular water, and have varying light needs depending on the species grown. They are known best for providing bright colors to shaded areas of the garden, and many bloom through the entire summer season. Seed capsules that form after flowers fade are known to burst open, sending seeds out to grow the next season.
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Impatiens Species and Varietals
Impatiens growing zones vary depending on the species; for more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Impatiens auricoma 'Jungle Gold' This species is a perennial and grows in zones 24, H1 and H2. It can be grown as an annual in all other zones. It is an African native with a bushy habit, with bright green leaves and orchid-shaped golden blooms with red-marked throats. This species needs shade and regular fertilizing for best performance. They will bloom over a long summer season, and are great for containers. |
Impatiens balsamina (Balsam) This species of Impatiens is an annual from southeast Asia that will grow well in all zones. It has an erect, branching habit and reaches 8-30 inches tall and 6-8 inches wide, producing flowers on the main stem and branches. Leaves are toothed, and flowers can be solid or variegated. Blooms are available in pink, rose, lilac and red. There are double-flowering varieties whose blooms resemble Camellia. Requires full sun, but needs some light shade in the warmest climates. |
Impatiens New Guinea Hybrids These plants are perennials that are best when grown in zones 24, H1 and H2, but are grown commonly as annuals in all other zones. These are native to New Guinea and take a variety of shapes and habits. Leaves are relatively large, and flowers are large as well, but not profuse. Blooms are available in red, lavender, purple, pink, orange and white. These need ample fertilizer, and can be grown in containers or in the ground. Commonly sold varieties include those in the Celebration, ColorPower, and Infinity strains. The SunPatiens strain was bred to grow in full sun conditions. Plants will reach around 2-4 feet tall and wide. |
Impatiens niamniamensis (Parrot Impatiens) This perennial grows best in zones 23, 24, H1 and H2 and as an annual in other zones. It is native to tropical Africa, and reaches 2 feet tall. Flowers appear under the leaves, and this species requires some shade to thrive. Varietals include 'African Princess' (red and cream flowers), and 'Congo Cockatoo' (with orange-red and yellow flowers). |
Impatiens sodenii (Impatiens oliveri) (Poor Man's Rhododendron) This perennial species of Impatiens grows best in zones 15-17 and 21-24, and as an indoor/outdoor container plant elsewhere. It is native to the tropical regions of eastern Africa, and gets 4-8 feet tall and 10 feet wide. It has a woody base from which stems with whorled leaves grow. Profuse bloom of lilac, pale lavender, pink or white flowers bloom. Great for coastal gardens. Frost kills the plant to the ground, but it will bounce back in spring. Can take partial or deep shade and some sun in cooler-summer regions. Varieties include 'Madonna' ('Full Moon'/'Alba', with white flowers), and 'Flash' (white flowers that are streaked with magenta). |
Impatiens walleriana 'Victorian Rose'
A classic, semidouble-bloom variety with rose-pink flowers. |
Impatiens walleriana (Busy Lizzie) This perennial grows best in zones 17, 24, H1 and H2 but can be used as an annual plant in all other zones. Native to eastern Africa, these vigorous growers reach 2 feet tall (dwarf forms reach only 6-12 inches) and have dark green leaves. Flowers come in most colors except yellow and true blue. These plants need partial to full shade, and bloom all summer. Popular varieties are outlined here. |
I. walleriana 'Stardust'
Gets 12-14 inches tall and has a central white star on the flowers, which are also dusted with white. |
I. walleriana 'Super Elfin'
8-10 inches tall with flowers in a wide range of colors. Flowers come in blended colors as well. 'Blue Pearl' (pictured above) has blue-lilac blooms. |
I. walleriana 'Swirl'
Flowers in this variety come in pastel colors, edged with deeper colors and the plants get to about 10-12 inches tall. |
Caring for Impatiens
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 373 - 374, Impatiens
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