Impatiens, Genus, balsamina, Species,
- Genus & species
Garden balsam
India, Southeast Asia, and southern China
SunPart Shade – Full Sun
WaterMedium
Overview
Impatiens balsamina is an upright annual with succulent stems in the balsam family (Balsaminaceae), 12–30 inches (30–75 cm) tall and 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) wide. Stems are thick, translucent, green to reddish, and branch from the base. Leaves are alternate, lance-shaped, 2–6 inches (5–15 cm) long with toothed margins, and bright green. Flowers are 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) wide, borne singly or in clusters of 2–3 in the leaf axils beneath the upper foliage, and have a curved spur at the back; colors include white, pink, red, purple, and orange, and some cultivars have double flowers. Capsules are fuzzy, oblong, 1 inch (2.5 cm) long, and burst open when ripe, scattering seeds that self-sow. Plants flower 8–10 weeks after sowing. Plants wilt within hours in dry soil, stems rot in waterlogged soil, and the first frost kills the plant. Spider mites and powdery mildew occur in hot, dry weather.
Native Range
Impatiens balsamina is native to India, Southeast Asia, and southern China, where it grows in moist, disturbed ground and along stream banks. It has naturalized in parts of North America, Europe, and Australia.Suggested Uses
Grown in beds, borders, and containers, spaced 12 inches (30 cm) apart in sites with morning sun and afternoon shade. Petals are used to color fingernails in parts of Asia.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 2'6"
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White, pink, red, purple, or orangeFoliage Description
Bright greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in part shade to full sun in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0. Plants in full sun need 1–2 inches (25–50 mm) of water per week. Seeds are sown indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost at 70–75°F (21–24°C) or direct sown after frost when soil reaches 60°F (16°C), and germinate in 7–14 days. Seedlings are spaced 12 inches (30 cm) apart. Plants are killed by frost, and spider mites and powdery mildew occur in hot, dry weather.Pruning
Pruning is not required. Stems are pinched at 6 inches (15 cm) tall to increase branching, and spent plants are pulled after frost.Pruning Schedule
Prune: June
summer
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons
Toxicity: Not assessed
UnknownPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
both
Indoor Start
4 weeks before last frost
Direct Sow Timing
After the last frost, when soil reaches 60°F (16°C)
Days to Maturity
56–70 days
Plant Spacing
12 inches
