Impatiens is a genus of about 800-900 species of flowering plants in the family Balsaminaceae . The genus has a wide distribution throughout the northern hemisphere and tropics. They produce flowers from early summer until the first frost; tropical species can flower all year. They can exist both in, and out, of direct sunlight.
Major common names for one or more species include balsam, jewelweed and busy lizzie.
Garden cultivars include
- Accent Stars
- Confection
- Blackberry Ice
- Eclipse
- Elfin White
- Extra Dwarf
- Lipstick
- Red Star
- Super Elfin
- Tempo Series
- Wink and Blink
Super Elfin is the dominantly available commercial variety. This series of impatiens was bred by Claude Hope in Costa Rica. Mr. Hope developed this species from its native wild form into one of the most popular bedding plants in world.
The plant derives its common name from the plants's seed pots. When seeds pods mature, they "explode" when touched, sending seeds several feet away. See also Rapid plant movement.
