About
Impatiens niamniamensis, the parrot plant, is a short-lived, evergreen perennial producing flattened, tubular flowers hanging below the leaves with a green-hooded mouth, yellow middle and red, hooked tail � a remarkable and unusual combination of colours that earns its common name. An ornamental plant for a warm, sheltered, shaded border or heated conservatory.
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.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial, Conservatory Greenhouse, Bedding, Herbaceous Perennial, Houseplants
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Native toTropical Africa
Care notes
CultivationNeeds a sheltered, partially shaded site and a moist but well-drained soil. Grow in a container, protected over winter, or use a bedding dot plant
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed or softwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse red spider mite, glasshouse whitefly and vine weevil under glass
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free