Impatiens flanaganae

Very new to cultivation and rare, this species from East Africa grows to 3 or 4 ft on red, potato-like, prolific, tuberous roots and produces masses of orchid-like flowers on tall stems with magenta upper petals and large soft pink lower petals. Very exotic. For shade and moist soil. From a low elevation, but surprisingly frost hardy, to 10F, USDA zone 8, or lower.

This plant cannot be shipped, and is not available by mail order. One gallon plants will be available for purchase at our onsite nursery only. Limit one per customer. Often compared to the dramatic & monstrous Impatiens tinctoria, Impatiens flanaganae is shorter in stature, with red stems, large leaves & (very sexy) 3” pink flowers adorned with a showy spur & red veins. This highly ornamental species is rare & vulnerable in its native habitat – occurring in just two limited populations in the KwaZulu-Natal & Pondoland regions of South Africa. Like many Impatiens, it likes cool temperatures year round, & dislikes strong heat. In cooler weather the flower color deepens as well. Grows to 3’ or more, & eventually about as wide, with a distinct Winter dormancy. Where not hardy, the bright red tubers can be dug & stored in the fridge (not the freezer!) through the Winter until danger of frost has passed. Rich, loosely draining soil in shade with regular water will yield best results, in the ground or containers. We will have only ONE CROP per year, & they will NOT be available to our online customers, so if it becomes available, get to the nursery a.s.a.p.! Note: Generally, species Impatiens prefer cool Summer climates with little frost, and suffer in areas with too much heat and humidity!