Impatiens is a flowering plant from the Balsamic family. It is most widely found in the tropics and substropics. In total, there are about 500 types of impatiens.
Among herbaceous flowering plants, impatiens has a special grace. Erect fleshy bushes, entering the flowering phase, are covered with numerous brightly colored buds. Many gardeners call impatiens or "balsam" or "touchy". Wild plantings of the flower are concentrated in the countries of Asia and Africa.
Description of impatience
From the branched rhizome, straight juicy stems appear, which over time begin to actively branch and weave into a spherical bush. The height of the bush is no more than half a meter. If a humid climate prevails, small droplets accumulate on the surface of the shoots, like sugar grains.
Oval or ovoid foliage is held on stems by shortened petiole processes. The size of one leaf does not exceed 12 cm. The edges of the foliage are serrated, and the central part of the plate is decorated with a convex mesh of veins. The color of the leaves is monochromatic. Green, bronze and purple varieties are widespread.
Flowers located in the axils form in late spring. Throughout the summer and autumn, the wilted buds are replaced by fresh inflorescences. The petals are red, purple, purple or blue in color. Such varieties have been bred in which 5 protruding petals are present in a bell-cup. Velvety specimens are also found among cultivated species. Their buds look like small roses.
The flower, after wilting, gives rise to a berry ovary. Berries are very sensitive to any touch. When the branches vibrate, the fruits begin to open and spill seeds.
Impatience care
Caring for impatiens is considered an easy task, since the plant easily adapts to any habitat and decorates the garden with long and lush flowering.
Location and lighting
Impatiens bushes prefer good lighting. In the shade, the leaves lose their brightness, and the flowering becomes less abundant. With a lack of sun, the stems are bare and stretched, therefore, illuminated, open areas are selected for garden cultivation. The sun's rays do not harm the plants.
Temperature
Impatiens is bad for drafts. Temperature fluctuations below + 15 ° C can cause the death of the crop.
Watering mode
Bushes during the growing season must be watered regularly and keep the soil moist. It is important not to overdo it, as excess water entails rhizome decay. In the winter months, watering is reduced and the ground is left alone until the topsoil is completely dry.The flower needs moist air and responds with gratitude to spraying with warm water from a spray bottle. However, water droplets should be avoided on the buds.
The soil
For planting, take ready-made nutrient soil and fill medium-sized pots. The bottom is covered with expanded clay or broken brick.
Top dressing
In the process of active development and budding, the impatiens are fed several times. Irrigation water is diluted with mineral complexes intended for flowering plant forms.
Pruning and pinching
A beautiful slender bush can be obtained with the help of regular pinching of the stems. When the seedlings grow strongly, they are transplanted into larger pots. If you carefully look after the perennial and follow all the recommendations, the impatiens will retain its decorative effect for a long time.
Reproduction methods of impatiens
Reproduction of impatiens is carried out using seeds extracted from berries or by cuttings. The berries contain a whole breeding ground of small grains that can sprout for six years. Sowing planning begins in January, in order to achieve flowering seedlings in May.
Before sowing, the seeds are immersed in a weakly concentrated solution of potassium permanganate, and then soaked in clean water for 24 hours. Seeds are planted in a substrate containing peat and sand. The seed is slightly sprinkled with earth and covered with polyethylene. Store containers with seedlings in a warm place. Every day, the seedlings are taken out into the fresh air and sprayed on the soil. The germination process usually takes 1.5 to 2 weeks.
As soon as the sprouts acquire a pair of real leaves, they begin to pick and plant the seedlings in different pots. A plant intended for gardening a room is immediately placed in a permanent container. Outdoor seedlings are transferred to peat pots in order to remove the bushes after a while and plant them in open ground. After the formation of 6-8 leaves, the crown is pinched, then the stems will branch better.
The vegetative method involves pruning apical cuttings about 6 cm long. The lower deciduous layer is cut off, and only half of the foliage is left on top. The twigs are dipped into the water so that the first roots appear. After a while, the cuttings begin to take root and release inflorescences after 2-3 months.
Diseases and pests
The culture successfully resists diseases and insects. The fleshy stems lure the spider mite. To drive out the pest, the bushes are treated with a concentrated soap solution or sprayed with insecticidal preparations.
Types and varieties of impatiens with a photo
The genus impatiens includes only a small number of species. For cultural purposes, several names are bred, including decorative hybrid varieties. Below we will consider the structural features of the main plant forms of the plant.
Impatiens walleriana
It is presented in the form of a lush, spreading bush with bright brown-red leaves. Blooming stems are strewn with buds. The length of the shoots reaches about 60 cm. The leaf blades are attached to oblong petioles. The foliage is oval or diamond-shaped. The size of one leaf together with the petiole is about 6 cm. This species was used to obtain hybrid mixes differing in the color of the buds. These are the varieties Symphony, Futura, King Kong, Novett, Colorpower dark red and Lavender flame.
Impatiens Hawkeri
This species laid the foundation for the breeding of the New Guinea variety. The bushes are characterized by lanceolate plates and bulky inflorescences. Under the influence of bright sunlight, the stems grow rapidly and bloom profusely.
Impatiens niamniamensis
It stands out with original intergrown flowers. Glossy petals form a large bob, colored yellow or red. Often there is a double color in the inflorescences.Among the varieties of impatiens of Niamey, the most popular variety is "velveteen", which has creamy, like shoes, unusual buds.
Impatiens petersiana
Tall species with a short hairy layer on the ground parts. Leaf blades protrude from long petioles. The buds are medium in size. The color of the petals is predominantly red or scarlet.
Impatiens glandulifera
The species got its name due to the presence of glands at the base of the leaves. The plant takes root well in the garden, however, it belongs to the group of annuals, therefore it can serve as a gardener only for one season. Whorls, consisting of lanceolate leaves, are found at the top of the shoots. Outwardly bent buds are formed from burgundy, white or pink petals. The inflorescences hide in the axils and are collected individually in groups.
Impatiens balzamina
Another thermophilic variety that does not survive the cold season and is grown as an annual. Lush, spreading bushes reach a height of about 70 cm.At the tops, in the axillary folds, there are buds of bright saturated shades.
Impatiens tamarinda
Suitable for indoor breeding and has a modest size. The leaves and flowers are large. This type includes varieties such as impatiens white and purple blue.
Some growers prefer to see terry varieties with lush buds in the ranks of their plant pets. These are the common varieties Rosette, Fiesta, Double Duet and Stardust Lavender.
