Impatiens stenantha

RHS Plant Profile
narrow-flowered balsam
narrow-flowered balsam RHS
Herbaceous Perennial

A compact perennial forming a low-growing mound to approximately 40cm tall of dark red stems clothed with broadly lance-shaped, scallop-edged,dark green leaves flushed with red. Small, spurred, orange-yellow flowers with a red-speckled throat are borne from summer into autumn

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Balsaminaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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
E Nepal, Sikkim

How to Grow

Cultivation

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

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by softwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs, snails, aphids and vine weevils

Diseases

Generally disease-free