About
Impatiens glandulifera, Himalayan balsam, is a tall, fast-growing annual to 2 m or more with hollow, translucent, reddish stems, lance-shaped, toothed leaves and large, pink-purple, hooded, spurred flowers from summer to autumn. While ornamental, it is an invasive species in many parts of Europe and should not be planted near waterways or natural habitats.
About the genus
Impatiens, the balsams, are annuals and evergreen perennials with fleshy stems bearing simple, toothed leaves and solitary or clustered, spurred, five-petalled flowers in a wide range of colours. Popular plants for shaded beds, borders and containers.
Plant details
Suggested usesWoodland gardens, moist borders, naturalised areas
Care notes
CultivationMoist, humus-rich soil in shade or partial shade
PruningAllow to self-seed. Remove plants if spreading too vigorously
PropagationSelf-seeds freely. Sow fresh seed in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free in the garden
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free in suitable conditions