Impatiens balsamina
Impatiens balsamina is the old‑fashioned garden balsam grown from seed for upright color in summer. Plants carry cup‑shaped blooms along the stems and come in single and double forms. It flowers in early to mid‑summer and continues to frost where summers are warm. This species grows fastest in full sun to light shade with moist, well‑drained soil. It is widely grown as a warm‑season annual in North America. Impatiens downy mildew can affect balsam in wet, humid weather. Impatiens are considered non‑toxic to cats and dogs.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: garden balsam; species
- Height × spread: 12–30 in (30–75 cm) × 6–18 in (15–45 cm)
- Bloom window: early summer to frost
- Color & flower form: singles and doubles in white, pink, red, purple; some bicolors
- Fragrance: 0 none
- USDA hardiness: grown as annual in most of North America
- Breeder / Year / Origin: Linnaeus, 1753, South Asia
- Pet safety: safe
How it differs
- More upright habit than common bedding impatiens.
- Thicker stems and camellia‑like double forms are common.
- Prefers more sun than standard shade impatiens.
- Less uniform than modern series but easy from seed.
Strengths
- Quick to bloom from seed.
- Tolerates brighter sites with adequate moisture.
- Classic cottage‑garden look.
- Can self‑seed lightly in favorable spots.
Care in one minute
- Site: full sun to light shade in cooler climates; light shade in hotter areas.
- Soil: fertile, well‑drained; neutral to slightly acidic.
- Water: steady moisture without waterlogging.
- Feeding: modest feeding to sustain bloom.
- Grooming: no deadheading required; stake only if windy sites demand.
- Overwintering: treat as annual; allow seed to ripen if reseeding is desired.
Watch‑outs
- Impatiens downy mildew may occur in wet, humid seasons.
- Stems can be brittle in wind and heavy rain.
- May sprawl if overwatered or shaded too heavily.
Best uses (tags)
borders, cottage‑style, containers, sun‑tolerant, summer color
Provenance note
Impatiens balsamina has been cultivated for centuries and is native to South Asia.
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder – Impatiens balsamina
- International Plant Names Index – Impatiens balsamina L., 1753
- Wisconsin Horticulture – Impatiens downy mildew
- ASPCA – Impatiens spp. non‑toxic to cats and dogs
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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