About
Impatiens repens, the creeping balsam, is a creeping, evergreen perennial to 20 cm with fleshy stems bearing small, kidney-shaped leaves and hooded, yellow flowers to 4 cm long in summer and autumn. A charming and unusual creeping impatiens for a warm, sheltered, shaded border or hanging basket.
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 typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toSri Lanka, India
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass grow in a humus rich, moist but well-drained soil in partial shade. If grown outdoors as summer bedding, provide a sheltered position with protection from wind
PruningNo pruning is required
PropagationPropagate by seed in the spring at 16-18C (61-64F) or take softwood cuttings in spring or early summer
Pest resistanceGlasshouse red spider mite, glasshouse whitefly, vine weevil and aphids can be troublesome under glass
Disease resistanceFlower buds are susceptible to grey moulds in growing conditions that are too damp