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Herbaceous Perennial

Impatiens repens
  • RHS AGM

creeping balsam

A creeping evergreen perennial to 20cm high, with fleshy stems bearing small kidney-shaped leaves and hooded yellow flowers to 4cm long in summer and autumn

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Yellow Green
Autumn Yellow Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1B
Botanical details
Family
Balsaminaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Matforming
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
Sri Lanka, India

How to grow

Cultivation

Under glass grow in a humus rich, moist but well-drained soil in partial shade. If grown outdoors as summer bedding, provide a sheltered position with protection from wind

Propagation

Propagate by seed in the spring at 16-18C (61-64F) or take softwood cuttings in spring or early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
Pruning

No pruning is required

Pests

Glasshouse red spider mite, glasshouse whitefly, vine weevil and aphids can be troublesome under glass

Diseases

Flower buds are susceptible to grey moulds in growing conditions that are too damp

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