Impatiens omeiana Ice Storm

Impatiens omeiana Ice Storm is a very beautiful variety with silver-speckled foliage of a botanical balsam species native to Mount Omei in the Chinese province of Sichuan. This small perennial and hardy plant forms a low bushy clump, carpeting the ground with exotic-looking vegetation that appears to be covered in frost. In late summer, its curious translucent flowers in the shape of a cornucopia, in two shades of yellow, appear in clusters. This impatiens is beautifully bright in the semi-shaded or shaded areas it prefers. It thrives when planted in a humus-rich, light, fertile soil that remains moist to wet in summer.

The Impatiens omeiana Ice Storm is a perennial plant belonging to the Balsaminaceae family, just like the impatiens we grow as annuals on our terraces and balconies. Its ancestor was discovered in 1983 in western China, on Mount Omei. This species, fairly easy to cultivate if the right conditions are met, is rare in cultivation and on the verge of extinction in its native lands. The plant has a rhizomatous root system that allows it to slowly spread outwards on the ground. It forms a bushy clump that reaches 35-45cm (14-18in) in height, with a spread of about 90cm (35in). The foliage emerges from the ground in spring and disappears in winter. Its upright stems bear young leaves that are almost white and very decorative. They unfold into elongated, lanceolate leaves with pointed tips, dentate margins, and prominent veins. The dark greenish-blue leaf has beautiful white-silver reflections. Flowering occurs from September to October. The flowers take the form of flower spikes bearing clusters of small, elongated, tubular flowers with a curly spur filled with nectar. Suspended on a peduncle, they are mobile and sway in the slightest breeze. After pollination by insects, small seed heads form and explode when ripe, dispersing the seeds in the surroundings.

The Impatiens omeiana Ice Storm will delight gardeners who appreciate rare plants adapted to moist shaded areas. Its subtly exotic charm hides a surprising hardiness, and its cultivation is not difficult if one takes care to protect it from overly vigorous neighbours. It requires little maintenance, apart from careful watering. For example, it can be accompanied by small ferns, hostas, disporums, or heucheras.