CyberSalad: Garden Pursuits: Annuals: Impatiens

[CyberSalad] [Garden Pursuits] [Garden Quotes] [Garden Journal] [The Language of Flowers] [Monthly Chores]
[Garden Poetry] [Zone Maps] [First/Last Frost Dates] [Trees] [Ground Covers] [Fruit/Berries] [Water Garden]
[Gardening Links] [Vegetables] [Lawn] [Raised Beds] [Bulbs, etc.] [Shrubs] [Perennials] [Annuals] [Herbs]

     The name Impatiens refers to the curious fact that this plant seems anxious to spread its seeds--the pods burst open at the slightest touch. Also known a Patient Lucy, or Busy Lizzy, this plant was a favorite on grandmother's window sill because it was never without flowers. Old-time varieties used to produce leggy, long-jointed 2-foot plants with a steady but rather sparse supply of flowers. Today's varieties are bushy and compact, 6 to 15 inches tall and 10 to 24 inches across, bearing a profusion of 1 to 2 inch flowers.
     Patient Lucy is especially effective for beds in shady places, as well as for window boxes, planters, and hanging baskets. Patient Lucy is delicate, being very sensitive to cold weather. Sow seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost is due and transplant seedlings to the garden when there is no longer any threat of frost. It can also be propagated by cuttings.
     Garden balsams are old-fashioned flowers originally from Asia, and among the easiest to grow. The blossoms of most varieties are double or semi-double, up to 2 1/2 inches across, and may be white, salmon, pink, purple, or deep red, as well as combinations of colors. Some varieties grow only 8 to 10 inches high; others become 3 feet tall. The short types, known as bush balsams, display their flowers at the tops of the plants. Flowers of the taller-growing varieties cling closely to the main stems and have been likened to open roses or camellias.

	Impatiens balsamina, the short varieties are ideal for bed and edging purposes. The taller varieties can be used in flower borders. All varieties do well in rich and moist, light, sandy loam, in the sun or shade.
	Impatiens wallerana, a favorite plant on Grandmother's windowsill, because it was never without flowers. Especially effective for beds in shady places, as well as window boxes, planters, and hanging baskets.

Back to Annuals.

Sign Our Guestbook

View Our Guestbook

	©2000-2007 Garden Pursuits. All Rights Reserved. WebMistress: Barbara Anders This site best viewed in 800x600 resolution. Graphics on this site are for my personal use only, and are not available for download. Please do not take.

Site launched January 1, 2000.
Site updated September 1, 2007.