BALSAM
- Busy Lizzie
Family GERANIACEAE
Impatiens species
Annual
Natives of Africa and Asia, this genus comprises
both hardy and half-hardy annuals and perennials.
Impatiens holstii is a tender perennial best treated
as a half-hardy annual by raising from seed or
cuttings under glass and planting out-of-doors
in early June.
The spurred flowers of scarlet,
nearly two inches across, are on long stalks towards
the tops of the stems.
The annual Impatiens capensis has pink flowers and ruddy-hued
stems, and Impatiens scebrida has golden yellow flowers
and requires similar culture to Impatiens holstii.
Impatiens roylei (syn. glandulifera( is the old-fashioned
big, coarse Balsam of purples.
Impatiens amphorata is a hardy annual from the Himalayas.
Growing five feet tall, with purple flowers in
August.
It may be sown in April outdoors where the plants
are to grow, but is best raised from seed sown
under glass.
Full sun and good drainage are essential.
Propagation is from seed or cuttings.
The flowering season is from June to September.
See also : Balsam
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