About
An unusual, hardy, deciduous rhizomatous perennial to around 40cm in height with variegated, serrated-edge green foliage with pink veining and white to pink midribs and almost orchid-like, peachy-yellow flowers in late summer. It looks great in a jungle or exotic scheme and is ideal for growing in a container too.
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
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitColumnar upright, Suckering
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Care notes
CultivationGrow in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in a sheltered, preferably shady spot. Mulch around the plant to help protect and over-winter the shallow rhizomes
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed or softwood cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free outdoors; if grown in a greenhouse or conservatory may be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, glasshouse whitefly, vine weevil and aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to damping off (seedlings) or grey mould (flower buds)