Care of the plant Impatiens sodenii or Shrub balsam |
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The genus Impatiens, family Balsaminaceae, comprises 1000 species of annual and perennial plants native to the Northern Hemisphere. Some species are: Impatiens sodenii, Impatiens hawkeri, Impatiens balfourii, Impatiens balsamina, Impatiens glandulifera, Impatiens repens, Impatiens walleriana. Common names: Shrub balsam, Oliver's touch-me-not, Poor man's rhododendron. This species is native to Kenya and Tanzania. They are tropical evergreen plants with a woody base and succulent stems that reach 2 meters (6.56 feet) in height. The leaves are 18 cm (7") long, lanceolate, bright green, and have serrated margins. The attractive flowers are pink and later white; there are varieties of white or pink flowers. They can bloom throughout the year. The fruits are pods. They are used as isolated specimens, in bushy groups and in large pots for terraces and patios. Impatiens sodenii can grow in full sun, semi-shade, or shaded exposures; needs warm climates without frost. The soil must drain very well and contain organic matter; they can grow in poor, dry soils. Water regularly in spring and summer waiting for the substrate surface to dry. Fertilize with compost in the fall. Prune lightly in late winter to keep it compact. They are subshrubs quite resistant to pests and diseases but sensitive to cold. They propagate from seeds sown in spring or by cuttings set to root in a sandy substrate in late summer. |
Images of the plant Impatiens sodenii or Shrub balsam |
 Impatiens sodenii  Impatiens sodenii  Impatiens sodenii |