Impatiens tinctoria

Impatiens on steroids? This species comes from high elevation Africa and is hardy to at least 20 degrees…Thick upright stems emerge from tubers and can grow 6-8’ tall. Orchid like FRAGRANT blooms to 4” across look like pure white butterfly wings stained red in the center, very striking! Flowers mid-summer thru fall. Bright shade, moist well drained soil, regular feeding…does well in a BIG pot and under glass. Prefers cooler climates and humidity.

Coming to us from the upper elevation East African rain forests, (it is endemic to Ethiopia to southern Tanzania and can be found on Mt. Kenya as high as 8,000 ft) tinctoria is a bit rare and will astound you with its 3 inch wide, orchid-like white blooms. Splashes of red in the throat double the drama of this curtsying flower, spring through autumn. And its speckled red spur can grow up to 5" long! If that weren't enough, it will sweetly scent the morning and evening air; stick your nose into it for some pretty perfume. A large plant 6 feet (or more) tall and wide, it has large dark green leaves and bamboo-like stems. Plant it in filtered bright shade, morning sun or, in areas with mild climates, full sun with regular water. Coming from the rain forests, it is uncomfortable in extreme heat in arid climates. Bloom begins in July and, lo and behold, it is Thanksgiving and it is still blooming like crazy here at Dancing Oaks, perfuming the air! The name "tinctoria" refers to the dye that women of the region collect from the cooked and pounded tubers to decorate the hands and nails. It is ornamental, but also a fungicide and skin toughener. Fabric is dyed with it, particularly when prepared with two other Impatiens species. Minimum temperature: 0?F

A fragrant impatiens growing to 3 feet tall perhaps 4 feet tall. The flowers are a luscious white with pinkish throat....almost orchid like. Moist shady spot is best and summer water is very important. Frost hardy to 15 degrees perhaps lower. Mid USDA zone 8. Will go deciduous with hard frost, returning next spring for enjoyment.

Oh so rare, hardy, perennial, & deliciously fragrant ! Many a folk would do just about anything to get their paws on this legendary Impatiens. Native to the Himalayas & hardy down to USDA zone 7, it will reach 5' tall & easily 3' across. And the flowers! Large - 3” across & fantastically orchid shaped, they're purest white, hooded, & beautifully marked in crimson red. Exotically long arching spurs & the fragrance - especially in the evening - is so like Plumeria! Multi-branching, with thick, almost succulent stems, it's long lived thanks to its tuberous roots ! Pretty, large sized typical Impatiens foliage. Goes deciduous with exposure to cold, & can be grown in a large (15 gallon size & up) container, as well as in the garden. Rich, composty soil for a stunning specimen appearance, we also find that planting it adjacent to an open branched, sturdy shrub to lean through gives it's long arms support. Dislikes heat! Note: Generally, species Impatiens prefer cool Summer climates with little frost, and suffer in areas with too much heat and humidity!