Impatiens

Plant Characteristics
Lifespan:	⌛	perennials and annuals"perennials and annuals" is not in the list (perennial, annual, biennial, unknown) of allowed values for the "Lifespan" property.
Origin:	✈	[[Origin::Tropics of N Hemisphere^wp]]

Cultivation

Exposure:	☼	[[Exposure::vary by species^sn]]
Water:	◍	[[Water::regular^sn]]
Features:	✓	flowers, naturalizes
Sunset Zones:		[[Sunset zones::vary by species^sn]]

Scientific Names
Balsaminaceae >	Impatiens >

There are hundreds of species of Impatiens, though four are much more commonly grown in gardens than the rest^sn. Most are annuals, or perennials treated as annuals^sn. They are grown for their flowers, which continue until frost. When the seed capsules are ripe, they explode upon being lightly touched, shooting little seeds around.^sn Stems are usually succulent^RH, and flowers, which may be solitary or in groups, usually have 3 (or rarely 5) sepals^RH. In some species the lowest sepal is large and extended backwards into a spur^RH.

The most popular is Impatiens walleriana, which has a wide palate of colors, is easy to grow in both sun and shade, and blooms continuously unless a frost kills it back. This may be the most popular bedding plant in America^sn.

Four most commonly grown:

Impatiens walleriana - the most popular species
Impatiens balsamina - Balsam
Impatiens sodenii - Poor Man's Rhododendron
Impatiens 'New Guinea' hybrids. Note darker leaves.

Cultivation

Need moist soil, good drainage, humus-rich soil, as well as a cool site (except for I. mirabilis)^RH. Perennials should be kept relatively dry in the winter dormancy period^RH. Pinch plants regularly if you want to keep them bushy^RH, otherwise some can get leggy. For tall-flowering I. balsamina shoots, remove the side shoots and initial flower buds^RH.

Most are frost tender, but I. glandulifera, I. noli-tangere and I. capensis can not only survive, but self-sow where winter temperatures drop to -15°C (5°F)^RH. These species can also become invasive in ideal conditions.

Propagation

Seed can be short lived in some species^RH, sow as fresh as possible. Softwood cuttings can be taken of plants you like^RH.

Seeds of frost-sensitive sorts should be planted under glass in spring, then picked out and planted in individual pots of loamless or loam of medium fertility^RH. Grow in a sunny, airy spot, free of frost, and pinch to keep compact^RH. Plant outdoors only after danger of frost is passed, and water well.

Softwood cuttings can be taken in spring, and placed in soilless potting mix, best with some bottom heat^RH.

Pests and diseases

Main article: List of impatiens diseases

Red spider mites and aphids can be a problem, especially under glass^RH. Grey mold can cause flower buds to shrivel^RH. Impatiens species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including Dot Moth^wp.