Impatiens tinctoria, the dyers busy lizzie, is a species of flowering plant in the balsam family Balsaminaceae, native to tropical Africa.[1]

Description

This erect perennial grows from large underground tubers, to a height of 2 m (6.6 ft) or more. It has deeply-veined, elliptic, slightly toothed leaves. Large 6 cm (2.4 in) hooded white flowers, with deep crimson splashes in the centres, hang from short stems in summer and autumn. Each flower bears a curved red spur at the back, up to 5 in (13 cm) long. The flowers are scented like gardenias.[2] The stems and leaves are succulent and fleshy.[2][3]

Impatiens tinctoria is listed by the Plant List as "Unresolved", meaning that it has not yet been established as an accepted name or a synonym.[4]

Cultivation

This tropical plant tolerates short periods down to −5 °C (23 °F) (RHS H3),[5] as long as it is kept in a sheltered, partially shaded spot with a protective mulch in winter. It prefers humid conditions which replicate its native habitat.

References

  1. ^ "Impatiens tinctoria". Germplasm Resources Information Network. Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture.
  2. ^ a b "Impatiens tinctoria". RHS. Retrieved 24 September 2021.
  3. ^ "Impatiens tinctoria". Strange Wonderful Things. Retrieved 24 September 2021.
  4. ^ "Impatiens tinctoria". The Plant List. Retrieved 24 September 2021.
  5. ^ "Hardiness Ratings" (PDF). Royal Horticultural Society. Retrieved 16 May 2021.