TROPICAL PLANT ENCYCLOPEDIA


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Impatiens repens, Balsam, Busy Lizzie

Impatiens repens

Balsam, Busy Lizzie
Family: Balsaminaceae
Origin: Southeast Asia and Tropical Africa
Groundcover and low-growing 2ftSmall plant 2-5 ftFull sunShadeSemi-shadeRegular waterYellow, orange flowersAttracts butterflies, hummingbirds

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.


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Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/impatiens_repens.htm