garden balsam
Impatiens balsamina
USDA zones2 to 11
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size6 inches to 2.5 feet tall6 to 18 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Rapid
- Habit
- Erect
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Pink, rose, red, purple, white and bicolor
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Garden balsam (Impatiens balsamina) is an annual for borders, containers, and accents. It is typically grown as an annual. It is not cold-hardy and will not survive freezing temperatures. This plant likes full or part sun and average to moist, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Its erect stems carry pink, rose, red, purple, white, or bicolor flowers that attract butterflies and bees. Deer usually look elsewhere for a meal.
Pairs well with Double Zahara Fire zinnia, Supertunia Really Red petunia, and Red fescue.
Native range
India and southeast Asia.