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Impatiens repens (Creeping Balsam)

Ceylon Balsam, Yellow Impatiens, Creeping Balsam

AGM Award
Impatiens repens, Creeping Balsam, Ceylon Jewelweed, Groundcover, Hanging Basket
Impatiens repens, Creeping Balsam, Ceylon Jewelweed, Groundcover, Hanging Basket
Impatiens repens, Creeping Balsam, Ceylon Jewelweed, Groundcover, Hanging Basket

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 – Creeping Balsam: An In-depth Look

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.

Impatiens repens, Creeping Balsam, Ceylon Jewelweed, Groundcover, Hanging Basket

Impatiens repens: How to Grow and Care

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.

Impatiens repens, Creeping Balsam, Ceylon Jewelweed, Groundcover, Hanging Basket

Impatiens repens: Pests and Diseases

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.

Requirements

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
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Impatiens stenantha (Narrow-Flowered Balsam)
Impatiens balsamina (Garden Balsam)
Impatiens tinctoria (Dyers Busy Lizzie)
Impatiens niamniamensis (Parrot Plant)
Impatiens omeiana (Hardy Impatiens)
Impatiens arguta (Toothed Busy Lizzie)

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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.
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Requirements

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 Plants
Do I Need?
Guides with
Impatiens
Not sure which Impatiens to pick?
Compare Now

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