This annual is upright and well branched forming a shrub-like habit with fleshy and weak stems. It has bright green elliptical leaves and the red, pink yellows or white flowers are double, single or dwarf form and appear from early to late summer.

Hardiness zones 9 to 12

Impatiens balsamina is naturally found from India to south-east Asia growing in most well drained fertile moist soil in an open sunny to semi shaded position with wind, frost and drought protection.

Garden Balsam is grown for its ease of culture and its colourful flowers. It is grown as an indoor plant or mass planted for bedding displays. It is also grown in rockeries or patio pots and planter boxes. It is suitable for coastal and inland regions and establishes in one season but may be short lived. It can become a weed as it self-sows readily. ID 299

Impatiens (im-PĂT-ee-enz) balsamina (băl-sa-MEE-a)

'Impatiens': impatient (refers to the rapid dispersal of seed).

Balsaminaceae (ball-SAM-in-AY-see-ee)