Botanical family: Balsaminaceae

Impatiens marianae

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

Close

The 2-inch leaves have a silvery-white background, and dark green along the main veins. Its amazing leaf pattern occurs naturally - this is not a cultivated hybrid. The inch-long flowers are deep pink with yellow markings inside, and have a curved "tail".

It does best in bright, filtered light, and should be protected from strong sun exposure.

Likes moist, but well drained, fertile soil.

Impatiens morsei, Impatiens velvetea

Impatiens morsei, commonly known as Velvet Love, is a small plant native to China and a member of the Impatiens family. Grown in USDA Zones 9-11, it grows up to 2-3 feet in height and thrives in semi-shade and regular water. The foliage has a velvety feel to it and is deep green in color with pink midribs and stems.

The flowers of Impatiens morsei are simply stunning and come in two distinct colors - off-white and white for single blooms, and yellow and orange for double blooms. These are quite large for an impatiens flower, measuring about 3-4 cm in width. What really sets the Velvet Love apart from others of the Impatiens family is the unique shell shape of the flower, which forms a unique and adorable bell or cup-like shape.

The good thing about Impatiens morsei is that it is very low-maintenance and easy to care for. It can be grown in pots both inside and outside, and as long as it is watered regularly, it will be happy and healthy. To ensure success when growing in cold regions, the plant should be kept watered but not overly saturated, and should be kept away from strong winds or drafts.

Impatiens morsei can be a great choice for those looking to add some color and unique beauty to their outdoor or indoor spaces. Not only does it offer a unique and pleasing appearance, but it is also quite easy to care for. With regular water and light and moderate maintenance, it will keep blooming and bring joy to your garden.

Impatiens namchabarwensis

This is a perennial species when grown indoors or in mild-winter areas. It self-seeds and can be grown as an annual in colder areas.

Impatiens niamniamensis

The Impatiens niamniamensis, or the Parrot Plant, is a small shrub native to tropical East Africa. Grown mostly in USDA hardiness zones 9-11, this plant is a fantastic addition to any garden. The Impatiens niamniamensis can grow to a height of 2-5 feet, making it an excellent choice for a border or low edging. They require a bright position out of full summer sun and prefer semi-shade. Regular water is necessary to keep the soil moist in the spring and summer and a slight reduction during the winter months. Minimum temperature 50F.

The flowers of the Parrot Plant come in a variety of colors, ranging from crimson and vinous red to vivid yellow and orange. Each flower has a curled spur and the colors can even vary from plant to plant. The Impatiens niamniamensis require rather acidic, well-drained soil to allow them to reach their full potential. Additionally, pinch out growing tips to encourage side shoots, and fertilize and water the plants regularly during spring and summer.

For those in colder climates, the Parrot Plant can grow in pots, as long as extra care is taken. Select a pot with adequate drainage and use a well draining soil for best results. When the temperature drops to 45F or below, it is best to move the pot to an area with more sunlight. Watch the soil and water as needed, but be careful not to overwater in the winter. Fertilize every month and deadhead to encourage continued blooms.

The Parrot Plant may not be the most common plant, but it makes up for it with its unique and eye-catching flowers. With just the right amount of light and plenty of water, anyone can enjoy this fascinating plant. There's a reason why it's been around for so long; it really is a Parrot Plant.

Impatiens repens

Impatiens, or Balsam, is a large genus of showy flowers greatly-loved for pot plants or greenhouse specimens in temperate countries. It also grows wild in many parts of the world, particularly Indonesia, and can be found in various forms and colors.

The most commonly cultivated species is Impatiens walleriana, or the "Busy Lizzie", a very popular cultivar with a range of bright flower colors and variegated leaves. It can grow up to 5 feet tall and is often used as a standard bedding plant in slightly cooler regions. It prefers moist and semi-shaded environments but can also grow in full sun, provided it is watered regularly.

In cooler climates, Impatiens repens is a great option for groundcover and a low-growing plant. It grows up to 2 feet and produces eye-catching yellow and orange five-petaled flowers that attract both butterflies and hummingbirds. When growing Balsam in a pot, it's important to protect it during the winter and to ensure it is kept in a well-draining soil with enough moisture.

Impatiens sp.

Impatiens is one of the best known and most popular garden plants for its prolific flowers and ease in growing. It is an evergreen perennial but is often grown as an annual in nontropical climates. Most varieties form low mounds that are usually 8-24in in height with about equal spread.

Likes moist, but well drained, fertile soil.

Propagation: Seed or cuttings in warm weather.

Species and varieties:

Impatiens adenioides

Impatiens balsamina

Impatiens hochstetteri

Impatiens marianae

Impatiens namchabarwensis

Impatiens niamniamensis

Impatiens oncidioides

Impatiens pseudoviola

Impatiens repens

Impatiens velvetea

Impatiens x hawkeri

Impatiens walleriana

Impatiens x hawkeri, Impatiens New Guinea Hybrid

New Guinea Impatiens, a herbaceous perennial groundcover and low-growing shrub, is native to New Guinea and is well-suited to USDA zones 9-11. It thrives in full sun to semi-shade and requires moist but well-draining soil. The foliage is deep green, and the showy flowers come in various colors. New Guinea Impatiens attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.

When planting New Guinea Impatiens, create a planting hole that is three times the size of the root ball. Keep an eye on soil moisture levels, making sure to keep the soil moist without letting the plant become waterlogged or dry out completely. For potting, ensure the container is large enough for the roots to grow and bring the pot indoors during cold winter months.

New Guinea Impatiens is an easy-to-care-for plant that provides a splash of color and wildlife attraction to any outdoor space. It is a perfect choice for an outdoor container or landscape bed.

Impatiens are the most popular bedding plants in the United States because of their beauty and ease of growth. Most are grown in hanging baskets or as potted plants for transplanting into the landscape or as container plants for the patio or window boxes.

Several plants were brought back from New Guinea and originally given separate species names. However, cytogenetic work has shown that they belong to one species (Impatiens hawkeri), but a lot of variation exists within the species. Crosses with additional species from Java and the Celebes islands have led to the plants in production today. Recent breeding has concentrated on shorter plants, shorter production times, heat and water stress tolerance, and variation in flower and foliage size and color.