Impatiens omeiana
Mount Omei busy lizzie
Evergreen perennial to 50cm tall, with thick, fleshy stems and velvety, lance-shaped, coarsely- toothed, dark green leaves, lightly variegated with white midribs and veining; bears clusters of creamy-yellow flowers, each with an incurved spur, held above the foliage in summer
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Cream Yellow | Green Variegated White | ||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Balsaminaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Impatiens can be annuals or evergreen perennials, with fleshy stems bearing simple, toothed leaves and solitary or clustered, spurred, 5-petalled flowers
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- China
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow 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
Propagation
Propagate by seed indoors in early spring, by seed in situ outdoors in late spring, softwood cuttings or division in spring or early summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free outdoors; if grown in a greenhouse or conservatory may be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, glasshouse whitefly, vine weevil and aphids
Diseases
May be susceptible to damping off (seedlings) or grey mould (flower buds)
Get involved
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