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What Are the Different Types of Balsam Plants? A Complete Guide

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Balsam is an annual that is simple to grow. The roughly 1 to 3-inch-wide flowers have a vibrant cup shape. They bloom in the late spring and continue through the first fall frost. The blossoms might be spotted, bicolored, or uniform in colour.

In full sun to partial shade on fertile, porous, well-drained but moist soils, I. balsamina thrives. Balsam tolerates 3–4 hours of direct sunshine nicely. It may grow on various soil types, such as clay, sand, and loamy soils, with a pH range of 5.6 to 7.5. These species do not tolerate frost. It is not tolerant of dry environments well and likes a damp environment. Fertile, well-drained soil is preferred for balsam. It performs best in warm weather and can tolerate moist soil as long as it is not wet.

Garden balsam, scientifically known as Impatiens balsamina. It is a perennial flower that blooms on tall stems covered in lance-shaped, light-green leaves with serrated edges. It is an evergreen plant. Garden balsam has tall stems that are scarce and support larger double flowers. The colors of flowers include pink, red, white, and light purple. The plants, which can reach heights of 12 to 36 inches, are strong, upright, and narrow.

Balsam plants, scientifically known as Impatiens, are a genus of over 1000 vibrant and colorful flowering plants. With their bright blooms and easy care requirements, balsam plants have become extremely popular among home gardeners and plant enthusiasts. But did you know there are actually many different types of balsam plants to choose from?

In this complete guide we will explore the most popular varieties of balsam plants their unique characteristics, and how to identify them. Whether you’re looking to add a pop of color to your garden or mix up your plant collection, understanding the diversity of balsam plant types is key to picking the right one for you. Let’s get growing!

An Overview of Balsam Plants

Before diving into the different varieties, it’s helpful to understand some background on balsam plants Here are some quick facts

  • Balsam plants belong to the plant family Balsaminaceae. This includes over 1000 different species, most commonly known as impatiens.

  • They are annuals or perennials with succulent stems, brightly colored flowers, and unique seed pods that explode when touched.

  • Native to tropical Africa, they thrive in shady and humid environments

  • Most grow 1-3 feet tall, making them perfect for containers, borders, and bedding.

  • Bloom time ranges from early summer to first frost.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s explore some of the most popular types and how to identify them.

Busy Lizzie (Impatiens Walleriana)

The Busy Lizzie is often the first type that comes to mind when people think of balsam plants. Their vibrant, rose-like blooms in shades of pink, red, white, purple, and orange are hard to miss.

Identification Tips:

  • Grows 8-15 inches tall with a mounded, bushy habit.

  • Profuse bloomer from early summer to frost.

  • Thrives in shade and tolerates humidity well.

  • Leaves are oval-shaped with serrated edges.

Busy Lizzies are extremely low maintenance and do well in containers and hanging baskets. They are one of the most ubiquitous balsam plants found at nurseries.

New Guinea Impatiens (Impatiens Hawkeri)

If you want larger, more exotic blooms from your balsam plant, look no further than the New Guinea Impatiens. They offer a wider range of bright colors like orange, yellow, and chartreuse.

Identification Tips:

  • Grows 1-2 feet tall with an upright habit.

  • Larger, 3 inch flowers with overlaps petals.

  • Variegated foliage in shades of green, red, and copper.

  • Thrives in partial sun to full shade.

  • More resistant to disease than other varieties.

New Guinea Impatiens bring a tropical look to any garden, and their tolerance of more sun makes them very versatile. They are great for adding bold punches of color to beds and borders.

Garden Balsam (Impatiens Balsamina)

Garden Balsams have an old-fashioned cottage garden charm with their fanciful form. The tubular flowers resemble mini roses or camellias.

Identification Tips:

  • Grows 1-2 feet tall with an upright, mounded shape.

  • Blooms are rose, pink, purple, red or white.

  • Distinctive fragrance.

  • Thrives in well-drained soil.

  • Does well in partial sun.

Garden Balsams pair nicely with other cottage garden flowers like snapdragons and dianthus. The fragrance and whimsical blooms make them excellent cutting flowers too.

Jewelweed (Impatiens Capensis)

For a native North American balsam variety, look for the vibrant Jewelweed. Often found growing near ponds and streams, jewelweed is valued for its medicine and beautiful blooms.

Identification Tips:

  • Grows 2-5 feet tall with elongated, translucent stems.

  • Trumpet-shaped orange flowers with reddish-brown speckles.

  • Thrives in moist soil.

  • Blooms mid-summer to early fall.

  • Has antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.

The speckled, exotic blooms of jewelweed are magnets for hummingbirds and butterflies. While most varieties prefer shade, jewelweed thrives in dappled sunlight.

Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens Glandulifera)

If you want a big impact quickly, go for the towering Himalayan Balsam. This appropriately named giant can reach up to 6 feet tall!

Identification Tips:

  • Rapid growing annual, achieving 6 foot height.

  • Abundant large, pinkish-purple flowers.

  • Blooms late summer to fall.

  • Thrives in partially sunny, moist areas.

  • Can be aggressive, so best for wild areas.

With its enormous size and showy flower display, Himalayan Balsam is perfect for the back of borders and wildflower meadows. Just be sure to keep it contained!

How to Choose the Right Balsam Plant

Now that you’re familiar with a few of the most popular varieties, take stock of your growing conditions and landscape needs to choose the right balsam plant for you.

  • For shady beds and borders, go with Busy Lizzie or Garden Balsam.

  • If you have areas with morning sun or dappled light, try New Guinea Impatiens or Jewelweed.

  • For moist, wild areas that need filling in quickly, Himalayan Balsam is ideal.

  • Mix and match different varieties for long season of color!

The diversity of the balsam plant genus means there’s an impatiens for every garden situation. With so many types to explore, you can play with color, form, and height to enhance your landscape. Our guide should give you confidence to pick out these pretty annuals and perennials for your own garden. Let us know which variety you decide to plant this year!

what are the different types of balsam plant

Is this plant still employed as a traditional remedy?

Yes. This Plant has many medical uses, particularly in Asia. Poultices formed by crushing the leaves and blossoms are used as a balm for burns and other skin irritations. It is less prevalent in western folk holistic treatment.

Typical recognizing problem of balsamina

Garden balsam is generally free of pests and illnesses, but it occasionally gets aphids and cucumber beetles, which can be controlled with a horticultural oil like neem oil. I. balsamina is also susceptible to powdery mildew.

Invasiveness and control

A particularly problematic invasive non-native plant in the Lake District, Himalayan Balsam smothers and displaces other native plants along riverbanks and lakeshores in large expanses.

After escaping from farming, Impatiens balsamina has naturalized in disturbed areas and semi-natural habitats, including secondary woodlands and forest boundaries. It can grow into dense stands in the forest’s understory, preventing native plant species from establishing seeds and germination. Both seeds and stem fragments are used for vegetative propagation, which is how they spread. Many tropical and subtropical islands are considered to have been invaded.

Control: Using herbicides like 2,4-D, triclopyr, and glyphosate has been suggested.

Garden Balsam’s meaning is “Impatience” or “Impatient for Love” in the Flower Language. Beautiful perennial or annual makes a great houseplant or summer bedding plant. Early in the summer, yearly plants begin to bloom, but perennial species do not. Perennial species, located in cooler climes, can bloom all year, and annual species start to produce flowers in the early summer. It is a simple plant to grow if given access to rich, organic soil.

Garden balsam exploding seed heads efficiently distribute seeds around the garden, which is the most specific criticism. In addition, garden balsam tends to increase, making it a potentially invasive plant, especially in warmer climates with lengthy growth seasons. Before the seed pods develop, remove the spent blossoms to stop this spread. Balsam plants can improve the appearance of your garden layout. By getting colorful plants, you can enhance the appearance of your house. Buy plants solely from nurseries that carry new plants and gardening supplies like soil, fertilizer, etc.

Balsam Plant – All about Balsam, and how to grow it

FAQ

What are the varieties of balsam plants?

Impatiens balsamina, more commonly known as balsam, touch-me-not, or impatiens, is an annual flowering plant that is native to India and Myanmar. The flowers are typically lilac, red, pink, white, or mauve, and around two to five centimeters in diameter.

What are the different types of balm plants?

Other common mint balms include bastard balm (Melittis melissophyllum); bee balm, or bergamot (Monarda didyma); richweed, or horse balm (Collinsonia canadensis); field balm, or creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea); lesser calamint, or field balm (Clinopodium nepeta); and Molucca balm, or bells of Ireland (Moluccella …

Is a balsam plant an annual or perennial?

Balsam is an easy to grow annual. It adapts well to both sunny and partially shaded conditions. Balsam grows especially well in sunny sites that are out of the harsh afternoon sun. Balsam may be planted in containers or in garden beds.

Does balsam come back every year?

If you are looking for a tropical-looking heirloom flower, try planting balsam. It will grow strong stems with colorful flowers tucked into long green leaves. Their prolific seed production will give you a continuous supply of new blooms every year.

What are the different types of balsam plants?

1. Impatiens Walleriana (Busy Lizzie) Impatiens walleriana, commonly known as Busy Lizzie, is one of the most popular types of balsam plants. It is prized for its bright and showy flowers that come in various shades of pink, purple, red, orange, and white.

What is a garden balsam?

Impatiens Balsamina (Garden Balsam) Impatiens balsamina, commonly referred to as Garden Balsam, is another popular type of balsam plant known for its unique tubular-shaped flowers. These plants come in a range of colors such as pink, purple, red, and white and have a distinct fragrance that adds to their appeal.

How tall does balsam grow?

Balsam grows as an annual plant in USDA zones 3 – 10 and reaches a height of 12 – 18 inches. The foliage is also attractive making Balsam a perfect flower for any garden. Balsam flower seed germinates quickly and the plant grows rapidly, blooming when it is just 3 to 4 inches tall.

What color is a garden balsam plant?

These plants come in a range of colors such as pink, purple, red, and white and have a distinct fragrance that adds to their appeal. Garden Balsam plants prefer well-drained soil and partial shade conditions for optimal growth.

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