Balfour's impatiens
Impatiens balfourii · Balsaminaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant balfour's impatiens: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Common name
- Balfour's Balsam
- Family
- Balsaminaceae
- Type
- Annual or tender perennial herbaceous plant
- Adult size
- 30 to 60 cm in height
- Flowering
- June to October
- Exposure
- Partial shade to shade
- Hardiness
- Not frost-hardy (frost-sensitive)
- Origin
- Himalayas (India, Pakistan)
Care
Regular watering
Keep the substrate constantly moist without creating water stagnation. Water as soon as the soil surface begins to dry. In summer, daily watering may be necessary, especially in pots. Reduce watering in winter if the plant is kept in cool conditions.
Indirect light
Place Balfour's Balsam in partial shade or dappled shade, sheltered from direct sunlight which would scorch the foliage. It thrives in filtered light, near a north or east-facing window. Avoid overly dark locations which would slow growth and flowering.
Fertile and well-drained substrate
Use rich, organic potting soil that is light and well-drained. A mixture of universal potting soil with a little peat or coco works perfectly. Ensure that pot drainage always functions properly to prevent root suffocation.
Moderate fertilization
Apply diluted, balanced fertilizer every 15 days during the growth and flowering period (spring-summer). Reduce or stop fertilizing in autumn-winter. Excess nitrogen promotes foliage at the expense of flowers.
Pinching and cleanup
Pinch young stems in spring to encourage dense branching. Regularly remove spent flowers to extend flowering. In late winter, eliminate dead or weakened stems before growth resumes.
Watch for pests and rot
Monitor for spider mites and aphids, especially in dry air. Root rot can occur with prolonged excess moisture. Maintain good air circulation and regularly ventilate indoor or covered spaces.
Did you know?
Balfour's Balsam is named after Scottish botanist John Hutton Balfour (1808-1884). Its delicate flowers hide a fascinating mechanism: the fruits are capsules that explode at the slightest touch when mature, projecting seeds several meters away, which explains the French name 'balsamine' (from the Latin balsamum, rich in meaning).
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Himalayan balsamImpatiens glandulifera
- Small balsamImpatiens parviflora
- Touch-me-notImpatiens noli-tangere
- Cape balsamImpatiens capensis
- Pale jewelweedImpatiens pallida
- Pedunculate oakQuercus robur
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.