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Jesse Saylor
Balsaminaceae
IMPATIENS( PARADISE® APRICOT, PARADISE® SERIES) PPAF
Hybrid Impatiens
This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.
This diverse genus of herbaceous plants holds some of the most popular bedding ornamentals on the market. Most impatiens are evergreen and of tropical and subtropical origin, with a few woodland species extending into north temperate regions. It is a huge genus with nearly 1000 species to its name and thousands of cultivated varieties. These may be annual or perennial, with many tropical perennial species grown as “annuals” in temperate zones.
The leaves and stems of impatiens are often fleshy and succulent and vary widely in color. There are two floral forms in this genus; the common garden form being a large flat-faced flower with five colorful, luminescent petals and the other being a tubular flower with a distinctive spurred nectary. Blooms come in a wide range of colors to include red, yellow, orange, pink, burgundy, salmon, white and purple-red, and all are followed by a bulbous green seedpod that explodes when squeezed.
The two most commonly grown impatiens are common impatiens (Impatiens walleriana) and the New Guinea hybrids (Impatiens hawkeri, I. schlechteri and I. platypetala crosses). The suite of species that comprise the New Guinea hybrids are known to have particularly colorful foliage of bronze, purple and various shades of green and large, colorful, flat-faced flowers. Common impatiens (Impatiens walleriana) are grown primarily for their beautiful flat-faced flowers. Both common and New Guinea impatiens will bloom continuously, if growing conditions are favorable, and do not require deadheading.
Overall, Impatiens prefer partial sun to shade and fertile, evenly moist soil with adequate drainage. They are ideal for shaded borders, containers and hanging baskets.
12 - 1
10 - 15
H1, H2, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Partial Sun, Partial Shade
6"-36" / 15.2cm - 91.4cm
8"-36" / 20.3cm - 91.4cm
Indeterminate
World/Pandemic, Hybrid Origin
Neutral
Average
Loam, Sand
Fast
Average Water
Clump-Forming
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Showy
White, Yellow, Red, Purple, Orange, Pink, Salmon, Burgundy, Orange Red
Green
Green, Dark Green, Burgundy, Bronze
No
Single
Yes
Medium
Bedding Plant, Container, Edging, Hanging Basket, Mixed Border, Tropical
Butterflies
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