Garden balsam - Impatiens balsamina (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Garden balsam

Also known as: Balsam, Touch-me-not

Garden balsam has been a favorite for European gardens since the Victorian era, although its flatter-flowered cousin has become increasingly more popular. The garden balsam attracts pollinators as well as nectar-feeding birds. The genus name, "Impatiens," which means, "impatient," references the plant's tendency to explosively throw its seeds away from itself.

Scientific classification

Species

Garden balsam (Impatiens balsamina)

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Annual

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Late spring, Summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Bloom Time

Summer, Fall

Harvest Time

60 cm to 1 m

Plant Height

30 cm to 40 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

3 cm to 4 cm

Flower Size

Green, Yellow, Gold

Fruit Color

White, Pink, Purple, Red

Flower Color

Green, Red, Burgundy

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Evergreen, Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer, Fall

Growth Season

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Garden balsam

Distribution of Garden balsam

Distribution Map

Garden balsam is native to Sri Lanka and India. It has been introduced in scattered countries across most temperate regions, including the eastern US, typically for use as an ornamental plant. Garden balsam is considered invasive in some tropical and subtropical regions because of its dense growth on the forest floor.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Waste places

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Beauty Improvement Value

The flower liquid may dye fingernails and is long-lasting.

Garden Use

The garden balsam is a commonly planted annual, especially in courtyard, cottage, and tropical gardens. Prized for its bright blooms and explosive seed discharges, it is used for its ability to add bright colors to shady spots and attract pollinators. It is often planted with hostas, ferns, tiarella because they also do well in shady areas.

Symbolism

Leave me alone

Interesting Facts

Also classified as a garden balsam, as its pod will easily open if touched even slightly, and seeds sprayed everywhere.

Name Story

Garden balsam: G. Francis, in the Favorites of the Flowers Garden (1844) quoted that "it may be ranked amongst the most elegant annuals that the warmest climates have afforded us". The specific epithet balsamina refers to the meaning of balsam. As it is a very popular garden plant, it is called the garden balsam.

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Quickly Identify Garden balsam

Showy cup-shaped flowers in white, pink, red, and bi-colors.

Fuzzy green-brown capsules with explosive seed dispersal.

Elliptical light green leaves with serrated edges and prominent veining.

Thick succulent stem, soft and crushable, branching near tips.

Hermaphroditic flowers with incurved spurs in red, pink, and purple hues.

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Care Guide for Garden balsam

Every week

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Originating from tropical regions, garden balsam prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil and high humidity. Water weekly, with increased frequency during flowering, particularly in containers. This annual thrives outdoors in warmer months, reflecting its rainforest heritage.

Fertilize: To enhance garden balsam's blooms, apply high phosphorus fertilizers bi-monthly during growth. Limit use to avoid harm, particularly in cooler months. Dilute for seedlings, and always water garden balsam after fertilization. Monitor garden balsam's response to adjust future applications for health and vibrancy.

Pruning: Garden balsam showcases vibrant blooms and lush foliage, ideal for gardens. Prune early to late spring to enhance bushiness and flowering, starting with dead stems. Proper pruning improves air circulation and aesthetics, promoting health and blooming potential.

Propagation: Garden balsam is easily propagated by sowing seeds in moist soil during early spring, which promotes successful germination as indicated by sprouting seedlings. This straightforward process requires no additional propagation tips.

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Images of Garden balsam

Distribution of Garden balsam

Culture

Quickly Identify Garden balsam

Care Guide for Garden balsam

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Common Pests & Diseases