Impatiens repens

This is a large genus, with numerous ornamental cultivars that have become popular as pot plants or greenhouse specimens in temperate countries. I. Balsamina, commonly known as the Annual Balsam, grows wild in Indonesia; it has a fleshy stem that grows to about 3 ft and white, pink, red, or purple flowers. The Busy Lizzies are mostly cultivars of I. Walleriana (sometimes listed as I.Lolstii) and have a wide range of flower colors, both single and double, and leaves that may be green, purple, or variegated. In cooler parts of the tropics like Hawaii, Busy Lizzies can grow into quite sizeable shrubs and are used effectively as bedding plants. They do not grow as vigorously in hotter areas but can be cultivated in moist semi-shaded locations beside a pool or waterfall. Propagation is by cuttings or seeds, though the seeds of some hybrid varieties do not always breed true.

Similar plants:

• Impatiens marianae (Touch-me-not)
• Impatiens morsei, Impatiens velvetea (Secret Love)
• Impatiens namchabarwensis (Blue Diamond Impatiens)
• Impatiens niamniamensis (Parrot Plant)
• Impatiens sp. (Garden Balsam, Touch-me-not, Jewel Weed)
• Impatiens x hawkeri, Impatiens New Guinea Hybrid (New Guinea Impatiens)