Ceylon Balsam, Yellow Impatiens, Creeping Balsam
Impatiens repens is a unique, eye-catching plant that offers a splash of color and texture to any garden setting. With proper care and attention, it can provide an attractive ground cover or a stunning addition to mixed plantings in tropical-themed gardens.
Impatiens repens, the Ceylon Balsam, Yellow Impatiens, or Creeping Balsam, is characterized by its low-growing, spreading nature and bright yellow, nectar-rich flowers. The plant has succulent stems and small, round leaves that are shiny and light green, giving it a dense, mat-forming appearance.
Native: This species is native to Sri Lanka, where it thrives in the moist, shaded understories of forests. It belongs to the balsam family, Balsaminaceae, which mostly includes over 1000 species of impatiens. Impatiens repens is considered extinct in the wild due to habitat destruction.
Plant Type and Habit: Impatiens repens is an evergreen perennial notable for its creeping habit. Its fleshy stems spread across the ground, rarely rising more than a few inches above the soil.
Size: It typically grows to about 2-8 inches (5-20 cm) in height and can spread extensively, covering a wide area if conditions are ideal.
Flowers: The flowers are small, about 1.5 inches (4 cm), and trumpet-shaped. They are usually a bright, eye-catching yellow with a slightly open mouth. The blooming season generally lasts from late spring through the end of summer, providing a long-lasting display of color.
Foliage: The leaves are small, kidney-shaped, and have a glossy texture, arranged alternately along the red fleshy succulent stems.
Award: Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
Hardiness: This plant is best suited to USDA hardiness zones 10-11. It requires a frost-free environment to thrive outdoors year-round.
Uses: Impatiens repens is primarily used as a ground cover in tropical and subtropical gardens. It is also popular in hanging baskets and terrariums due to its trailing habit and vibrant color.
Toxicity: Impatiens repens is non-toxic to humans and pets, making it a safe choice for household gardens.
Invasiveness: Impatiens repens is not considered invasive. It spreads quickly under the right conditions but is easy to control and does not typically escape cultivation.
Benefits: Its primary benefits are aesthetic and ecological. It adds beauty to garden settings and supports local pollinators.
Growing and caring for Impatiens repens involves specific conditions to ensure its lush growth and vibrant blooms. Here’s how to successfully cultivate this unique plant:
Light: Prefers partial shade; direct sunlight can scorch the leaves.
Soil: Thrives in moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. A peat-based soil mix is ideal
Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water regularly, especially during dry periods.
Temperature: Ideal temperatures for Impatiens repens range between 60°F and 80°F (15°C to 27°C). It is sensitive to cold and should be protected from temperatures below 50°F (10°C), as it cannot tolerate frost.
Fertilizer: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to support its rapid growth.
Pruning: Trim back leggy stems after flowering to encourage bushier growth and maintain a compact form.
Propagation: Propagate by seed in the spring at 16-18°C (61-64°F) or take softwood cuttings in spring or early summer.
Spider Mites: These tiny pests are hard to see but can cause the leaves to appear speckled and faded. They thrive in dry conditions, so increasing humidity around the plant can help prevent infestations. If an infestation occurs, treat the plant with neem oil or an appropriate acaricide.
Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects cluster on new growth and the undersides of leaves, sucking plant juices. They can be rinsed off with water or treated with insecticidal soap.
Root rot: Overwatering is a common cause of root rot in Lipstick Plants. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing leaves, and a mushy base. Prevent this by ensuring the pot has good drainage and the soil does not remain soggy. Affected plants need to have all decayed roots trimmed off, and be repotted into fresh, sterile potting mix.
Manage fungal diseases by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.
Hardiness |
10 - 11 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Houseplants, Perennials |
Plant Family | Balsaminaceae |
Genus | Impatiens |
Exposure | Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 2" - 8" (5cm - 20cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Loam |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen, Plant of Merit |
Garden Uses | Hanging Baskets, Patio And Containers |
Hardiness |
10 - 11 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Houseplants, Perennials |
Plant Family | Balsaminaceae |
Genus | Impatiens |
Exposure | Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 2" - 8" (5cm - 20cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Loam |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen, Plant of Merit |
Garden Uses | Hanging Baskets, Patio And Containers |
How many Impatiens repens (Creeping Balsam) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Impatiens repens (Creeping Balsam) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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