Impatiens Balsamina

Impatiens balsamina, commonly known as Balsam or Garden Balsam, is a charming and colorful annual flowering plant belonging to the Balsaminaceae family. Native to Asia, this delightful plant is a popular choice for adding a splash of vibrant color to gardens, containers, and landscape borders. Here's a description of Impatiens balsamina:

1. Flowers: The most prominent feature of Impatiens balsamina is its attractive and eye-catching flowers. The flowers are borne on slender stems and come in a variety of vibrant colors, including shades of pink, red, purple, white, and mixed colors. Each flower has a distinct shape with five petals, and some varieties have double or semi-double blooms, adding to their charm.

2. Foliage: The plant's leaves are bright green, serrated, and alternately arranged along the stems. The foliage is lush and adds to the overall appeal of the plant, creating a lovely contrast against the colorful flowers.

3. Blooming Season: Garden Balsam typically blooms from late spring to early fall, providing a continuous display of flowers throughout the growing season. The flowers are abundant and can cover the plant, creating a stunning floral show.

4. Growth Habit: Impatiens balsamina has an upright and bushy growth habit, usually reaching a height of about 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 cm). It has a well-branched structure that fills out nicely, making it an excellent choice for filling gaps in flower beds and borders.

5. Care Requirements: Garden Balsam thrives in partial shade to full shade, making it a perfect choice for areas with limited direct sunlight. It prefers well-draining soil and regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist, as it is not drought-tolerant. This plant benefits from deadheading spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.

6. Landscape Use: Impatiens balsamina is commonly used in flower beds, borders, and containers, as well as in shaded or woodland gardens. Its vibrant and long-lasting flowers make it a favorite among gardeners looking to create a colorful and lively outdoor space.

7. Wildlife Attraction: The nectar-rich flowers of Garden Balsam attract butterflies and other pollinators, adding to its value as a garden plant that promotes biodiversity.