From the strange island of Madagascar comes this rare and intriguing species that you probably haven't seen before.  Impatiens bicaudata - the Jungle Sunset Impatiens - not only has eye-catching flowers, but it grows to massive proportions - up to 6 feet tall!  The 1" flowers defy description, but they sort of look like hooded birds.  The sunset-y colors can actually change depending on the climate.  If you're a collector of the weird and wonderful, you'll want to add this rarity to your collection.  I might be the only source on the internet currently offering this plant.

Impatiens bicaudata is a perennial species with upright, shrubby growth.  The succulent stems develop a woody appearance with age and can get incredibly thick - up to 4" at the base!  The oddball blooms appear in waves throughout the year.  Here in cool San Francisco they have reddish tones, but in warmer areas they can be more pinkish.  They have interesting yellow and red markings in the throat, and when the flowers are in the male stage, the pollen is bright purple! 

This is an easy to grow plant, indoors or out.  It's a Zone 10 tropical that should have temperatures above 50°.  It can tolerate dips into the 40s, but i don't think it can survive any frost.  Grows well indoors, provided that the air isn't too dry.  This is a rainforest species that likes moist, rich, well-draining soil and filtered sun or bright shade.  Too much mid-day sun may cause burning.  Easily propagated from cuttings.  This species may be crossed with some other Impatiens species to create new and interesting hybrids! 

Click here to check availability.

For detailed growing tips about this plant, click here.