Impatiens puberula

Impatiens puberula is a species of botanical impatiens collected in Nepal, interesting for its great hardiness (-15°C (5°F)). This little-known perennial offers lovely blue-violet flowers from July to September, somewhat reminiscent of orchid flowers. It forms a low, bushy clump, 15 to 20cm (6 to 8in) tall, slowly spreading over 90cm (35in). In autumn, it disappears completely and enters dormancy, only to reappear in full glory in spring thanks to its tuberous root system. This very beautiful plant thrives in shade or partial shade, in humus-rich, fertile, moist but well-drained soil.

The Impatiens puberula is a perennial of the balsaminaceae family, native to wooded areas of Nepal and Eastern Himalayas. The plant forms a bushy clump 15 to 20cm (6 to 8in) tall, sometimes more depending on growing conditions, with a spread of about 90cm (35in). Its erect stems bear green, ovate to lanceolate leaves. The flowering is almost continuous from July to September, with small, blue-violet flowers with a yellow heart, about 3cm (1in) in diameter, resembling orchid flowers. At the first signs of cold, the plant goes dormant and disappears completely. It comes back even stronger the following spring thanks to its tuberous root system.

The Impatiens puberula is still a rare plant in gardens, despite its easy cultivation and amazing hardiness. It requires little maintenance, except for careful watering. It can be grown in shaded beds in moist soil, accompanied for example by hostas or heucheras. It can also be grown in pots on the terrace, or in window boxes, as long as it is protected from the scorching sun. Fertilizing with flowering plant fertilizer will help stimulate its flowering.