Taxonomy of Impatiens Flowers: There are many kinds of impatiens flowers (sometimes misspelled as "impatience" or "impatients"). Plant taxonomy classifies one of the more popular groups of impatiens flowers as Impatiens walleriana, which includes the series of 'Super Elfin' cultivars. "Busy Lizzy" is one of the common names for impatiens flowers, although this is a case where the scientific genus name is so widely used that it has virtually become a common name.
Plant Type for Impatiens Flowers: The impatiens flowers commonly sold at nurseries in North America are hybrids and treated as annual plants. They are native to tropical Africa and easily damaged by frosts.
Characteristics of Impatiens Flowers: The widely grown cultivars of impatiens flowers are typically short plants, attaining a height of not more than 1 foot. Some, such as the 'Super Elfin' series, stay much shorter (thus their popularity -- and their name!). Impatiens flowers come in a variety of colors, including white, red, pink, violet, coral and purple. Even a yellow cultivar has recently been developed.
Sun and Soil Requirements for Impatiens Flowers: Grow impatiens flowers in well-drained soil enriched by humus. Although impatiens flowers can, with sufficient water, be grown in partial sun in northerly regions, their great virtue is that they thrive in the shade.
Care for Impatiens Flowers: If they start looking leggy late in the summer, trim off the top third of their vegetation. This will promote the emergence of new impatiens flowers, plus the plants will look better overall.
Uses for Impatiens Flowers: Impatiens flowers are one of the dominant bedding plants in North America, especially for shaded areas. They are also used in container gardens, ranging from hanging baskets to window boxes.
Origin of the Name for Impatiens Flowers: Impatiens flowers take their name from the Latin, impatiens, "impatient." They are so called because their ripe seed pods will sometimes burst open from even a light touch (as if they were "impatient" to open). This characteristic is especially apparent in a relative named, "jewelweed," indigenous to eastern North America. (see below).
Jewelweed: Impatiens Flowers of the North:
Although jewelweed shares some similarities with the impatiens flower sold at nurseries, one would never confuse the two (at maturity).
There are two types of jewelweed:
- Spotted jewelweed or "spotted touch-me-not" (Impatiens capensis) is orange
- Pale jewelweed or "pale touch-me-not" (Impatiens pallida) is yellow
The nickname, "touch-me-not" refers, again, to the tendency of the ripe seed pod to burst apart at the slightest touch.
Jewelweed is not usually considered an attractive plant. But more significant than its appearance is its use as a natural treatment for poison ivy.
The Ever-Popular Impatiens Flowers: Familiarity Breeds Contempt: Impatiens flowers have much to offer, including shade-tolerance, long-lasting blooms and brightly colored blossoms that come in a variety of colors. So what's not to like? If there's a knock on impatiens flowers, it's that they're so common: impatiens flowers are a victim of their own success!
