Impatiens niamniamensis 'Congo Cockatoo'
balsam 'Congo Cockatoo'
A short-lived, upright, evergreen perennial up to 90cm in height. The flattened, tubular flowers hang below the leaves and have a green, hooded mouth, yellow middle and red, hooked tail. It can flower at any time of year
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Neutral, Alkaline, AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Red Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Red Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green Red Yellow | Green | ||
| Winter | Green Red Yellow | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Balsaminaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- 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
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Needs a sheltered, partially shaded site and a moist but well-drained soil. Grow in a container, protected over winter above at 15°C, or use in sub-tropical planting schemes for summer displays
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse red spider mite, glasshouse whitefly and vine weevil under glass
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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