Impatiens pseudoviola

RHS Plant Profile
false-viola balsam

Synonyms

Impatiens pseudoviola pink-flowered

Herbaceous Perennial

This tender perennial species is commonly known as the 'jewelweed' or 'touch me not', and is a species native to Kenya and Tanzania. The plant grows between 6-12cm. It has bright lilac-pink flowers in summer and autumn and has ovate, alternate mid-green toothed leaves. It's a tender species so does need careful protection indoors from frost over the winter period when grown in temperate regions.

Position

Full shade, Full sun, 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
1 year
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

Full shade Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1C

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Balsaminaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Columnar upright, Suckering
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

How to Grow

Cultivation

A tender perennial species that needs warm frost free conditions.

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Sub-tropical
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free. May be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse red spider mite and vine weevil

Diseases

Generally disease-free