Overview
Impatiens tinctoria is a perennial herbaceous in the genus Impatiens, part of the Balsaminaceae family. Impatiens tinctoria grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates moist and well-drained soils. It is native to E Tropical Africa.
About
Impatiens tinctoria is a perennial herbaceous Impatiens from East Tropical Africa valued for its scented flowers. It performs best in partial shade to full shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. Flowering runs from June to October, when the blooms provide scented interest through summer and into autumn. Plants have succulent stems and leaves and are grown for their summer–autumn floral display.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Impatiens tinctoria
About the genus
Impatiens is a genus of more than 1,000 species of flowering plants, widely distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere and the tropics. Together with the genus Hydrocera, Impatiens make up the family Balsaminaceae.
Wikipedia contributors, "Impatiens", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Impatiens
In the garden
Impatiens tinctoria is a perennial herbaceous member of the balsam family originating in East Tropical Africa; it is grown for its fragrant flowers that appear from June to October. Its natural preferences favour sheltered, shaded positions and consistent moisture rather than bright sun or dry ground. For cultivation in the UK, choose a site in partial shade or full shade with soil that holds moisture yet drains freely: a heavy but friable loam amended to improve structure suits it. Keep the rootzone evenly moist during the growing season rather than letting the soil dry out; mulching with organic material will help retain moisture and moderate soil temperatures. Avoid planting in exposed, hot sunny beds where the foliage can suffer. Placed where conditions match those preferences, it works well in shaded mixed borders, woodland-edge beds or large containers sited on a cool, sheltered patio. The scented flowers from June to October make it particularly useful where a shaded seating area or a path needs late summer to autumn fragrance. Expect the blooms to be the main seasonal feature and plan neighbouring plants to complement a moist, shady microclimate.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Impatiens
- Sunlight
- partial shade, shade
- Soil type
- moist, well-drained
- Soil moisture
- moist
Plant details
Impatiens tinctoria size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial herbaceous
- Native to
- E Tropical Africa
- Fragrance
- Flower
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Impatiens tinctoria
- Cultivation
- Prefers sheltered, shaded positions with moist soil; avoid direct harsh sunlight.
- Pruning
- Remove spent flowers to encourage further blooming; cut back after flowering to maintain shape.
- Propagation
- Seed, cuttings
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Impatiens tinctoria?
Prefers sheltered, shaded positions with moist soil; avoid direct harsh sunlight.
Where is the best place to plant Impatiens tinctoria?
Impatiens tinctoria prefers partial shade and shade.
What soil does Impatiens tinctoria need?
Impatiens tinctoria grows best in moist and well-drained soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Impatiens tinctoria?
Remove spent flowers to encourage further blooming; cut back after flowering to maintain shape.
How do I propagate Impatiens tinctoria?
Seed, cuttings.
More in the Impatiens genus
- Impatiens glanduliferaHimalayan balsam
- Impatiens walleriana 'Blitz 3000 Pink'Busy Lizzie
- Impatiens walleriana 'Pink Ice' (Summer Ice Series) (d/v)Busy Lizzie
- Impatiens Magnum Lavender Splash (Magnum Series) (NG)
- Impatiens SunPatiens Compact Purple Candy ('Sakimp071'PBR) (SunPatiens Series)Impatiens
- Impatiens pianmaensisImpatiens