About
Impatiens tinctoria, the dyer's busy lizzie, is a vigorous, erect, tuberous perennial to 2 m with fleshy stems and large, dark-green, deeply veined leaves to 23 cm long. Sprays of hooded, spurred, fragrant, white flowers to 6 cm across with dark-pink central markings are produced in summer and autumn. One of the most imposing and ornamental species impatiens for a warm, sheltered, shaded border.
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
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Sub-tropical
Native toE Tropical Africa
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in a sheltered position in partial shade. Mulch well in winter
PruningNo pruning required other than to cut down stems at the end of the season
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceGenerally problem free
Disease resistanceGenerally problem free