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Impatiens omeiana
Golden Impatiens
Western China (Sichuan Province, Mount Omei/Emeishan; 3000-6000 ft / 900-1800 m; moist shaded forest floors)Learn more
At a Glance
TypePerennial
HabitSpreading
FoliageSemi-evergreen
Height8-12 inches (20-30 cm)
Width18-24 inches (45-60 cm)
Maturity2 years
Overview
Impatiens omeiana is a spreading, herbaceous perennial reaching 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) tall with a spread of 18–24 inches (45–60 cm). Unlike the familiar annual bedding impatiens, this Chinese species is grown primarily for its foliage: the elliptic to ovate leaves are 3–5 inches (8–13 cm) long, dark olive-green with a prominent central band of gold to creamy-yellow that follows the midrib and primary veins—creating a variegated pattern that intensifies in shade. The leaves are succulent-textured and arranged in whorls along the stems. Small, pale yellow to butter-yellow, snapdragon-like flowers 0.75–1 inch (2–2.5 cm) long appear in autumn (September–October)—later than most garden perennials. The plant spreads by thick, fleshy, surface-level stolons that root at the nodes. Semi-evergreen in mild climates. Growth rate is moderate. Hardy to zone 6.
Native Range
Impatiens omeiana is native to western China (Sichuan Province), on Mount Omei (Emeishan) at 3,000–6,000 feet (900–1,800 m), in moist shaded forest floors.Suggested Uses
Planted as a shade groundcover, woodland understory, or container accent at 18–24 inch (45–60 cm) spacing. The gold-banded foliage provides season-long interest in deep shade where few other variegated plants perform. The autumn flowers fill a gap in shade garden bloom sequence. Spreads by stolons—can colonize over time. Slugs are a persistent problem. Not suitable for full sun (bleaches variegation), dry soils, or exposed windy sites.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 1'
Width/Spread1'6" - 2'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Pale yellow to butter-yellow, snapdragon-like flowers 0.75–1 inch (2–2.5 cm) long in September–October. The autumn bloom time is later than most shade perennials, filling a gap in the shade garden calendar. Bloom duration is 4–6 weeks.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Pale yellow to butter-yellow snapdragon-like flowers 0.75-1 inch; autumn bloomingFoliage Description
Dark olive-green with prominent gold to creamy-yellow central band along midrib; 3-5 inches; succulent-texturedGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 1-3 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in full shade to partial shade in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Hardy to zone 6. The foliage variegation is most vivid in shade—direct sun bleaches the gold band. The fleshy stolons spread along the surface—mulch lightly. Semi-evergreen in mild winters; dies back to stolons in cold zones. Slugs may damage foliage.Pruning
Remove spent flower stems in late autumn. Clean up any winter-damaged foliage in spring. No regular pruning needed. Thin overcrowded stolons if the colony becomes too dense.Pruning Schedule
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fall
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons