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__NOTOC__{{Plantbox

__NOTOC__{{Plantbox

| name = ''Impatiens''

| name = ''Impatiens''

| common_names = Balsam, Touch-me-not, Snapweed, Jewelweed, Busy Lizzie

| common_names = Balsam, Touch-me-not, Snapweed, Jewelweed, Busy Lizzie, Patience plant

| growth_habit = herbaceous

| growth_habit = herbaceous or subshrub

| high = ?  <!--- 1m (3 ft) -->

| high = ?  <!--- 1m (3 ft) -->

| wide =    <!--- 65cm (25 inches) -->

| wide =    <!--- 65cm (25 inches) -->

| hardiness =    <!--- frost sensitive, hardy, 5°C (40°F), etc -->

| hardiness =    <!--- frost sensitive, hardy, 5°C (40°F), etc -->

| bloom =    <!--- seasons which the plant blooms, if it is grown for its flowers -->

| bloom =    <!--- seasons which the plant blooms, if it is grown for its flowers -->

| usda_zones = ?  <!--- eg. 8-11 -->

| usda_zones = 10+ (unless specified otherwise)

| sunset_zones = vary by species{{SSN}}

| sunset_zones = vary by species{{SSN}}

| color = IndianRed

| color = IndianRed

| cultivar =  

| cultivar =  

}}

}}

There are hundreds of species of Impatiens, though four are much more commonly grown in gardens than the rest{{SSN}}.  Most are annuals, or perennials treated as annuals{{SSN}}.  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.{{SSN}}

There are hundreds of species of Impatiens, though four are much more commonly grown in gardens than the rest{{SSN}}.  Most are annuals, or perennials treated as annuals{{SSN}}.  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.{{SSN}} Stems are usually succulent{{RHS}}, and flowers, which may be solitary or in groups, usually have 3 (or rarely 5) sepals{{RHS}}.  In some species the lowest sepal is large and extended backwards into a spur{{RHS}}.

Four most commonly grown:

Four most commonly grown:

==Cultivation==

==Cultivation==

{{edit-cult}}<!--- Type cultivation info below this line, then delete this entire line -->

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

 

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

===Propagation===

===Propagation===

{{edit-prop}}<!--- Type propagation info below this line, then delete this entire line -->

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

 

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{{RHS}}.  Grow in a sunny, airy spot, free of frost, and pinch to keep compact{{RHS}}.  Plant outdoors only after danger of frost is passed, and water well.

 

===Pests and diseases===

===Pests and diseases===

{{Main|List of impatiens diseases}}

{{Main|List of impatiens diseases}}

''Impatiens'' species are used as food plants by the [[larva]]e of some [[Lepidoptera]] species including [[Dot Moth]].

''Impatiens'' species are used as food plants by the [[larva]]e of some [[Lepidoptera]] species including [[Dot Moth]]{{wp}}.

==Species==

==Species==

[[Image:ImpatiensGlandulifera-flower-sm.jpg|thumb|''Himalayan Balsam'']]

[[Image:ImpatiensGlandulifera-flower-sm.jpg|thumb|''Himalayan Balsam'']]

[[Image:Potapsco_fg13.jpg|thumb|''Impatiens capensis'']]

[[Image:Potapsco_fg13.jpg|thumb|''Impatiens capensis'']]

There are about 900-1000{{wp}} species of Impatiens, including:

There are about 850{{RHS}} species of Impatiens, including:

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