Impatiens tinctoria

Impatiens tinctoria is a large and beautiful botanical Busy Lizzie originating from high-altitude rainforests in Central Africa. Despite its exotic appearance, this perennial plant is capable of surviving winter in many areas if its stump is protected from frost. It quickly forms a tall tuft adorned with large glossy leaves and produces large flowers in late summer and autumn, white with a spotted rose-red throat, subtly scented. Like other Impatiens, it appreciates moisture and dislikes intense sunlight. Therefore, it will thrive in partially shaded flower beds or in morning sun, planted in a humus-rich and light, fertile soil that remains moist to wet in summer.

Impatiens tinctoria is a perennial plant from the Balsaminaceae family, just like the impatiens we grow annually on our terraces and balconies. This species is widespread in the mountains of Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Congo, Malawi, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, where it is found in moist undergrowth, along watercourses, and in ravines, between 700m (2297ft) and 3,600m (12ft) above sea level. Its species name, "tinctoria," recalls its traditional use for its colouring pigments. The plant has a long tuberised rhizome reaching 30cm (12in) long and 10cm (4in) wide. Its above-ground growth emerges in spring, in April, and dies back in winter. Its upright, hollow, and succulent stems, with few branches, reach about 2m (7ft) in height. They bear large elongated leaves, lanceolate, pointed at their tips, slightly wavy, with toothed edges and prominent veins, measuring up to 9cm (4in) long. The dark green lamina often shows some brown spots, which are resin glands. Flowering occurs from late August until the first frost, from the axils of the leaves. It takes the form of clusters, each counting 3 to 9 flowers measuring 6 to 7cm (2 to 3in) in diameter, hanging on a 4cm (2in) peduncle. The two-lipped flowers resemble orchids. They are fragrant and white, with the lower petals often speckled with pink-red to purplish near the base. The lower sepal is funnel-shaped and is extended by a thread-like spur. After pollination by insects, small fruits form, which explode at maturity, dispersing the seeds.

Impatiens tinctoria will delight gardeners who appreciate rare plants adapted to moist undergrowth. It can be showcased near a pathway or at the front of a large flower bed. Its exotic charm hides astonishing hardiness, and its cultivation is not difficult if one takes care to properly plant it and protect it from overly vigorous neighbours. It requires little maintenance, apart from careful watering from spring to the end of summer. In partial shade, it can be accompanied, for example, by small ferns, hostas, disporums, or heucheras. In cool and well-watered regions, this impatiens can tolerate morning sun if the soil remains slightly moist.