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Genus Impatiens (Balsam, Buzy Lizzie)

Impatiens Impatiens walleriana 'Accent Pink' Photo/Illustration: Michelle Gervais
im-PAY-shenz Common Name: Balsam, Buzy Lizzie
Impatiens is a huge genus of 850 species of annuals, evergreen perennials, and subshrubs from damp habitats in tropical and warm-temperate regions nearly worldwide. Stems are brittle and succulent, and leaves are fleshy. The main show is the abundant flowers that often bloom from spring to frost. I. walleriana is one of the most popular bedding plants in the U.S. Numerous cultivars are available.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Fleshy leaves. 5-petaled flowers over a long period in summer. Explosive seed capsules. 
 Care: The stems are brittle, so choose a site that is sheltered from wind in partial shade. Impatiens need humusy, moist but well-drained soil. Indoors, provide full to bright filtered light and plenty of humidity.
 Propagation: Sow hardy species in late spring where they are to grow. Sow tender species indoors at 61-64°F in early spring. Some may be propagated from cuttings.
 Problems: Indoors, watch for spider mites, flower thrips, root knot nematode, whiteflies, and aphids. Outdoors, caterpillars may attack plants. Gray mold, impatiens necrotic spot virus, fungal leaf spots, Rhizoctonia stem rot, Pseudomonas leaf spot, and Verticillium wilt also occur.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Impatiens

Impatiens auricoma 'Jungle Gold' Impatiens auricoma 'Jungle Gold'
('Jungle Gold' impatiens) Be the first to rate this plant

Yellow blooms resembling orchids and large, glossy leaves makes 'Jungle Gold' an interesting addition to containers, where it will bloom more profusely than if it were in the ground. It performs well in shade.
Impatiens balsamina and cvs. Impatiens balsamina and cvs.
(Rose-balsam, Touch-me-not) (1 user review)

This plant has a sparsely branched form and narrow lance-shaped, pale green leaves. Cup-shaped hooded flowers 1-2 inches across, either singly or in clusters, are followed by explosive seed capsules. A variety of colors are available, including rose, lilac, and creamy yellow.
Impatiens namchabarwensis Impatiens namchabarwensis
(Sapphire jewelweed, Blue diamond impatiens) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Sapphire jewelweed's serrated leaves are the color of polished jade, while the flowers are a remarkable sapphire blue. Far different from the traditional flat-disk shape of most bedding impatiens, the flower shape of this impatiens resembles an elegant crane in flight. Sapphire jewelweed grows remarkably fast, reaching almost 2 feet tall and wide. It shines in a woodland garden.
no image available Impatiens walleriana Cajun Series™
 Be the first to rate this plant

Cajun Series™ impatiens come in various colors, and their rich, saturated tints are a perfect choice for brightening shady borders. These impatiens grow to about a foot tall and bloom from summer to frost.
Impatiens walleriana cvs. Impatiens walleriana cvs.
(Busy Lizzie, Patience plant) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This subshrubby perennial with light green to red-flushed stems has slightly toothed, scalloped, light to bronze-green or red-flushed leaves to 5 inches long. The showy, flat flowers bloom in white or shades of orange, pink, red, purple, violet, lavender-blue, and bicolors.