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Impatiens is a genus of flowering plants in the family Balsaminaceae, comprising about 1000 species. It is widely distributed in the Northern Hemisphere and tropical regions of the world. It is commonly known as Impatiens, Jewelweeds, Balsams and Touch-me-nots.
Impatiens are annuals and mainly tender evergreen perennials and subshrubs, often with succulent but brittle stems. Annual plants produce flowers from early summer until the first frost, while the perennial species which grow in milder climates, produce flower all year round. Most impatiens grow to 1 meter tall but some can grow up to 2 m tall. The leaves of impatiens are entire and shiny. The upperside of leaf has a thick, water-repellent cuticula which gives the leaf a greasy feel. On the underside of leaf, tiny air bubbles are trapped and gives a silvery sheen that becomes pronounced when held under water. The leaves are also food for larvae of some Lepidoptera species including Dot Moth (Melanchra persicariae) and Japanese Bettle (Popillia japonica). The leaves are toxic to many animals.
In most species, the flowers are 2-3 cm long, with a shoe- or horn-shaped spur for the most part. It is a favorite to bumblebees and certain Lepidopera, such as the Common Spotted Flat (Celaenorrhinus leucocera). The common name 'touch-me-nots' refers to the seed capsules, which when mature, will explode when touched, sending seeds several meters away. This mechanism is also known as "explosive dehiscence".
Impatiens grows well in sun or partial shade, and rich, moist and well-drained soil. Propagation is by seeds or stem cuttings in spring or summer. Pests are spider mite, aphids and whitefly.
Impatiens niamniamensis, 90 cm tall and 30 cm wide, is an evergreen, bushy perennial. It has reddish green stems and oval, toothed leaves of 20 cm long. In summer to autumn, it produces showy, 5-petaled, hooded green flowers, 2.5 cm long and each with a long orange, red, crimson, or purple spur.
Impatiens walleriana, 60 cm high and wide, is a fast growing, evergreen, bushy perennial that is widely grown as an annual. It has ovel, green leaves, and flattish, 5-petaled, spurred, bright red, orange, pink, purple, violet or white flowers, blooming in spring to autumn.
