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Herbaceous Perennial

Impatiens arguta

toothed busy lizzie

An upright perennial to 30cm with fleshy stems and narrowly oval, pointed, dark green leaves with deep veins. Sprays of pale purple, tubular flowers are produced in summer and autumn

Synonyms
Impatiens roingensis
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Purple Green
Autumn Purple Green
Winter
Position
  • Full shade
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or North–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Balsaminaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
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
Himalaya, China

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in a sheltered position in full or partial shade. Mulch well in winter

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Sub-tropical
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning

No pruning required other than to cut down stems at the end of the season

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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