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Herbaceous Perennial

Impatiens stenantha

narrow-flowered balsam

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

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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 Red Green Red
Summer Red Orange Yellow Red Green Red
Autumn Red Orange Yellow Red Green Red
Winter
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or West–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
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

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