Impatiens , usually get laid as Busy Lizzies , Jewelweeds , or Touch - Me - Nots , belong to the family Balsaminaceae , encompassing a wide array of species that are hold dear for their vibrant flower and ease of cultivation . These plant are predominantly found in the tropic and subtropical regions of Africa and Asia , with some species aboriginal to North America . The genus Impatiens owe its name to the characteristic way its seeds are dispersed ; when ripe , the seed pods explode , scattering cum far from the parent flora , a behavior that ’s both fascinating and functional for the species ’ extension .
The variety within the Impatiens genus is noteworthy , with species vary significantly in size of it , color , and outgrowth habits . From the subtlety - loving Impatiens walleriana , which blankets gardens with a spectrum of color like pink , red , orange , and purpleness , to the sun - tolerant Impatiens hawkerii or New Guinea Impatiens with its large , splashy bloom , impatiens ply to a all-embracing range of horticulture styles and conditions . Some specie , like Impatiens balsamina , grow taller with a bushier riding habit , while others like Impatiens repens creep along the ground , have them ideal for different garden role , including edge , containers , and ground covers .
Ecologically , impatiens toy several roles . They are known for attracting pollinator , specially hummingbird and butterflies , with their ambrosia - rich flowers , contributing to local biodiversity . However , not all Impatiens mintage are benign ; Impatiens glandulifera , for instance , has become an invading species in many parts of the world outside its native Himalayas , where it can overrun aboriginal plant with its strong-growing growth . This dual nature of impatiens as both good and potentially knotty mull over the complexness of infix plants into novel ecosystems .
Cultivation of impatiens is generally straightforward , making them favorites among both novice and experienced gardeners . They prefer moist , well - drain soil , with most coinage prosper in shade or fond shade , although some , like the New Guinea varieties , can tolerate more sunlight . They are susceptible to disease like downy mildew , specially in humid conditions , which has led to the development of disease - resistant cultivars . Propagation can be attain through cum or cuttings , with many species ego - seeding , which adds to their perennial presence in gardens where winters are soft enough . This adaptability , combined with their colourful show , control that impatiens remain a go - to pick for add spry , vivacious colour to any garden setting .
Impatiens (Impatiens spp.)
Impatiens walleriana(Busy Lizzie )
This is perhaps the most recognized of the impatiens crime syndicate , cherish for its power to thrive in shade . Available in a kaleidoscope of colors from white to hot garden pink , red , and purpleness , this mintage has been a staple in shaded garden beds and containers . Its flowers are unmarried or dual , with a flat - faced appearance that brightens up glowering corner . It ’s an annual in most climates due to its sensitiveness to frost but is perennial in frost - free region .
Impatiens hawkerii(New Guinea Impatiens )
It stand out with its larger , more vivacious flowers and distinctive foliage . Unlike I. walleriana , this metal money tolerates more sun , making it various for various garden preferences . The leaves can be variegated or substantial , often in wraith of light-green , bronze , or Burgundy wine , adding to the ornamental collection . Flowers order from soft pastel to bright , bold colors , providing a tropical flair .
Impatiens balsamina(Garden Balsam )
make love for its double - flowered varieties , it blooms in loss , pinko , and White , often with a camellia - similar appearance . This species grow taller , up to 2 feet , and can be a bit gangly , prepare it ideal for the back of borders or as a cut flower . It ’s also one of the few impatiens that can palm full Sunday to partial ghost .
Impatiens capensis(Jewelweed or Spotted Touch - Me - Not )
This is a North American aborigine known for its medicative properties , especially in treating poison common ivy rashes . It farm soft , yellow flowers with orange spots that attract hummingbirds . This plant thrives in moist soils near water bodies , showcasing how impatiens can be both decorative and ecologically beneficial .
Impatiens pallida(Pale Jewelweed )
It is closely related to I. capensis but features paler chickenhearted flowers . It partake the same home ground penchant , growing in dampish , shaded area where its come can explode upon touch , give it the “ touch - me - not ” moniker . It ’s less usually cultivated but valuable in naturalistic or woodland gardens .
Impatiens glandulifera(Himalayan Balsam , Policeman ’s Helmet )
Has become notorious for its invading disposition in non - native home ground . It ’s a tall plant , often reaching 6 - 10 feet , with showy , pink to purple flowers . While it ’s stunning and attracts pollinators , its aggressive feast has led to effort to control it in many area outside its native Himalayas .
Impatiens niamniamensis(Congo Cockatoo )
commonly one of the more exotic impatiens , known for its alone , parrot - like flowers that are red with scandalmongering peak . This species requires warmth and high humidness , make it more of a nursery or indoor industrial plant in cooler climate . Its striking visual aspect and less common cultivation make it a conversation piece of music among plant enthusiasts .
Impatiens repens
This is a charming , ground - cover impatiens with modest , purple flowers . It ’s less take care in gardens but can be a delightful addition for those looking for something to take in under taller plants or in stone gardens . Its sneak nature makes it ideal for hang baskets where it can spill over the edges .
Impatiens omeiana
It offer something dissimilar with its foliage , featuring silver diversification on dark green leaves . Native to China , it ’s one of the hardier impatiens , able-bodied to handle cool temperatures than others . Its flowers are less showy but still attractive , usually in tone of pinkish or red , appearing later on in the season .
Impatiens balfourii(Poor Man ’s Orchid )
It is admired for its orchidaceous plant - like flower , which are pinkish - purpleness with a scandalmongering nerve centre . It ’s also known for being somewhat invasive , self - seeding pronto in the garden . However , its beaut and informality of ontogenesis make it a favorite among gardeners calculate for a low - maintenance , later - summer foul-up .
Impatiens sodenii
From East Africa brings large , showy blossom in shade of pink or purple , with dark , almost pitch-dark leave-taking in some varieties . This impatiens is less common in westerly garden but is seek after for its dramatic color contrast , making it a focal point in mixed plantings .
Impatiens namchabarwensis
This is one of the largest impatiens mintage , has flowers that can be up to 4 inches across-the-board , showcasing a rarified down color in the plant Earth . Found in Tibet , it ’s a collector ’s item due to its size , curio , and the challenge of cultivation outside its aboriginal habitat , requiring very specific condition to thrive .
Impatiens arguta
Hails from the Himalayas and is far-famed for its small , white flowers that counterpoint beautifully with its dark unripened , glossy foliage . This species choose cool , humid condition and can be a delicious improver to a shaded rock garden or woodland setting where its delicate blooms can be treasure up close .
Impatiens turrialbana
It is a rare species from Central America , primarily Costa Rica . It ’s key out by its vibrant yellow flowers that bring a burst of colour in shaded , moist environment . Its scarceness in refinement reach it a treasure for aggregator of strange plants , require weather condition that mimic its tropic origins .
Impatiens usambarensis
From Tanzania , make for large , dark pink flowers that are almost orchidaceous plant - ilk in appearance . Its tall maturation habit makes it worthy for the back of borders or as a focal point in a garden dedicated to showcasing exotic plant . It thrives in humid conditions with good drain , typical of its East African origins .
Impatiens hochstetteri
It is another African indigene , recognize for its prominent red flowers . This species prefers the understory of woodland , where it can take vantage of the mottled light . Its cultivation outside its aboriginal range is less common , but it ’s treasure for its vivid blooming in specialised collecting .
Impatiens tinctoria
Has small , yellowed flowers and is notable for its historic enjoyment in dye - making . Found in parts of Asia , this species can be part of a garden that not only looks beautiful but also has a cultural or historical educational aspect . It ’s adaptable to various light conditions , provided the land remains moist .
Impatiens kilimanjari
From the region around Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania , feature lovely pink flowers . This species is less known in cultivation but offers an opportunity to bring a piece of East African flora into the garden , where it would expand in conditions that copy its highland , forested home ground .
Impatiens grandis
From Madagascar is known for its large , showy pinkish heyday that can tally play to any garden . Its size and the splendor of its blooms make it a standout in a assembling of tropic flora , where it can be grow in container or in the ground with the right climate .
Impatiens linearifolia
It stands out with its linear , narrow leaves , differing from the more coarse rounded leaf shapes in the genus . It frisk small flowers , often yellow , and is aboriginal to character of Asia . This species can be a unique addition to rockeries or as a ground cover in shaded areas , where its leaf can be appreciated .
Impatiens flaccida
Grows in the Western Ghats of India , showcasing drooping , white flowers . Its predilection for moist , shaded areas take a shit it ideal for underplanting or in container gardens where humidity can be asseverate , adding a signature of the exotic with its unique flush presentation .
Impatiens sulcata
With its grooved stems and lowly , yellow flush , is another Asiatic indigen that can be challenging in a botanical collection . Its growth substance abuse is somewhat straggly , making it suitable for border or as an understory plant where its subtle peach can be noted .
Impatiens latifolia
It boast all-embracing leaves and low , red flowers , volunteer a contrast in foliation and bloom size . Native to East Asia , this coinage can thrive in shaded garden spots with moist , well - enfeeble dirt , provide both textural and color interest .
Impatiens mirabilis
Another gem from Madagascar , is renowned for its large , spectacular flowers in spook of orange or red . Its culture is challenging alfresco of its native home ground due to its specific needs for warmheartedness and humidness , but for those with the right experimental condition , it ’s a stunning plant that can be a highlight of any tropical garden setup .
General Notes on Cultivation
