About

An upright perennial to 30cm with fleshy stems and narrowly oval, pointed, dark green leaves with deep veins. Sprays of pale purple, tubular flowers are produced in summer and autumn.

About the genus

Impatiens can be annuals or evergreen perennials, with fleshy stems bearing simple, toothed leaves and solitary or clustered, spurred, 5-petalled flowers

Growing conditions

SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, North-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Sub-tropical
Native toHimalaya, China

Care notes

CultivationGrow in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in a sheltered position in full or partial shade. Mulch well in winter
PruningNo pruning required other than to cut down stems at the end of the season
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free