Impatiens balsamina. A tropical Asian native, this Impatiens relative is an old-fashioned, shade-loving annual dating back to the mid-1800s. These narrow plants develop their camellia-like flowers up and down their central stems. It can be direct-sown in warmer climates but is best started indoors 6 to 8 weeks before transplanting out after all threat of frost has passed. Drought-tolerant, this heat-lover likes good drainage, dislikes excessive watering and can handle partial to almost full sunlight. Once they start to bloom, they are free flowering until the first frost. Annual. Summer flowering. Height: 12" to 18".

Average seed life: 2 years.