Alphabetical Plant Listing

Impatiens capensis (Orange Jewelweed)

Jewelweed, Orange Jewelweed, Spotted Touch-me-not, Impatiens biflora, Impatiens fulva, Impatiens noli-tangere ssp. biflora, Impatiens nortonii


Noted for its aesthetically pleasing flowers, Impatiens capensis (Orange Jewelweed) is a tall, leafy annual boasting pendent golden-orange blossoms with decorative red-orange flecks and a large cornucopia-shaped pouch with a long nectar spur at the back that curves underneath the rest of the flower. Blooming from early summer until frost, the interesting flowers dangle like porcelain earrings from the leaf axils. They are visited by hummingbird, butterflies, bees and other important pollinators. The succulent, weak and watery stems are clothed with oval, toothed, blue-green leaves to 3-4 in. long (7-10 cm). The stem juice is reported to relieve itching from poison ivy and has also been used to treat athletes foot. The flowers are followed by slender seed capsules that burst with the slightest touch, dispersing the seeds a great distance, hence the common name of touch-me-not. Orange Jewelweed is a widespread plant that occurs in moist, semi-shady areas throughout northern and eastern North America. It makes a lovely addition to native plant gardens and is suitable only to wet natural gardens, along streams and ponds or bog gardens, where it can roam freely. Fruits can be toxic to humans, especially children, if ingested.

  • Grows up to 24-60 in. tall (60-150 cm) and 18-30 in. wide (45-75 cm). Will self-seed profusely to the point of being a nuisance.
  • Performs best in part shade in humus-rich, wet soils. Tolerates full shade.
  • No serious pest or disease issues.
  • Great for shady and moist areas such as woodland gardens, bog gardens, rain gardens, or near ponds and streams.
  • Can be propagated easily by direct sowing of fresh seed in early fall.
  • Native to North America.

Impatiens: How to Grow and Care with Success

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Requirements

Hardiness 2 – 11
Plant Type Annuals
Plant Family Impatiens
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Height 2' – 5' (60cm – 150cm)
Spread 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm)
Spacing 18" – 30" (45cm – 75cm)
Water Needs Average, High
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moisture Retentive, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, Oklahoma, Texas
Tolerance Clay Soil, Wet Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Bog Gardens, Ponds and Streams, Rain Gardens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

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Guides with Impatiens


By Rose, Shutterstock

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 2 – 11
Plant Type Annuals
Plant Family Impatiens
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Height 2' – 5' (60cm – 150cm)
Spread 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm)
Spacing 18" – 30" (45cm – 75cm)
Water Needs Average, High
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moisture Retentive, Poorly Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, Oklahoma, Texas
Tolerance Clay Soil, Wet Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Bog Gardens, Ponds and Streams, Rain Gardens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

Guides with Impatiens

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