Impatiens glandulifera (Himalayan balsam) — Bushy, compact

Overview

Impatiens glandulifera is a bushy, compact annual biennial in the genus Impatiens, part of the Balsaminaceae family, with fleshy, simple, toothed leaves foliage. Impatiens glandulifera grows best in full shade, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include bedding plants, containers, hanging baskets and groundcover.

About

Impatiens glandulifera is an annual biennial bedding plant in the Balsaminaceae, grown for an extended flowering season from June to October. It develops a compact, well-branched habit with fleshy, simple, toothed leaves. Plant in north-facing, sheltered spots on loam with neutral pH and keep soil moist but well drained. Rated H3 (borderline) for the UK, it is suitable for containers, hanging baskets and ground cover where winter exposure is limited.

About the genus

Impatiens is a genus of more than 1,000 species of flowering plants, widely distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere and the tropics. Together with the genus Hydrocera, Impatiens make up the family Balsaminaceae.

Wikipedia contributors, "Impatiens", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Impatiens

In the garden

Impatiens glandulifera belongs to the balsam family and is used as an annual or short-lived biennial for summer display. Its foliage is fleshy with simple, toothed leaves and the plant produces flowers through the summer into early autumn; the flowering period runs from June to October. Choose a north-facing, sheltered site and a loam-based soil at neutral pH; the plant prefers moist but well-drained conditions. Light levels in full shade suit this species, and a sheltered aspect reduces stress in the cooler months. The rating H3 (borderline) indicates it will tolerate mild UK winters in protected positions but benefits from the warmth offered by a container against a wall or in a sheltered courtyard. Use it where a compact, well-branched bedding plant is needed: containers, hanging baskets and as a temporary ground cover all match the suggested uses. Water regularly to maintain even moisture without waterlogging and position where winter exposure is limited to preserve crowns between seasons. Expect reliable flowering from June to October when given the north-facing, sheltered conditions it prefers.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Impatiens

Sunlight: Full shade
Soil type: Loam
Soil pH: Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: North-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H3

Plant details

Impatiens glandulifera size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Annual Biennial, Bedding
Habit: Bushy, compact
Foliage: Fleshy, simple, toothed leaves
Suggested uses: Bedding plants, containers, hanging baskets, groundcover

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Impatiens glandulifera

Propagation: Seed sowing, stem cuttings
Pest resistance: Susceptible to downy mildew, aphids, whiteflies
Disease resistance: Downy mildew-resistant varieties available

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Impatiens glandulifera?

Impatiens glandulifera prefers full shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Impatiens glandulifera need?

Impatiens glandulifera grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

Is Impatiens glandulifera hardy in the UK?

Impatiens glandulifera has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.

How do I propagate Impatiens glandulifera?

Seed sowing, stem cuttings.

More in the Impatiens genus

Browse all Impatiens →