Hidden in a remote part of Tibet in the Himalayas lies the world's deepest canyon, the Tsangpo gorge.  Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, this uninhabited valley is teeming with hundreds of tropical plant species, many never seen before in the West.  It was here in 2003 that explorers discovered what may be the bluest Impatiens species - Impatiens namchabarwensis - the "True Blue" Impatiens.  It was named after its mountain homeland, Mt. Namcha-Barwa.  This is an extremely rare beauty that happens to be easy to grow!

The True Blue Impatiens grows vigorously to about 18 inches tall and wide.  It flowers practically all year for me!  The flared blooms are 1½-2 inches long and are a delightful ultramarine or violet-blue color with a contrasting white throat.  There are interesting yellow and red markings both inside and outside the blooms.  The flowers share a "bird-like" resemblance to Impatiens arguta.  Both species grow near each other on Mt. Namcha Barwa.  This is a perennial species when grown indoors or in mild-winter areas.  It self-seeds and can be grown as an annual in colder areas.

Some Himalayan Impatiens species resent temperatures above 85 degrees, however this one appears to have some more heat tolerance, handling temperatures in the 90s, provided that nights are relatively cool.  It grows best between 50 and 80 degrees.  It is believed to be root-hardy to several degrees of frost, but i would protect it from all frost.  I grow it indoors as a houseplant and it does terrific.  It may be kept in a 1-2 gallon pot in filtered sunlight or morning sun.  Protect it from hot, afternoon sun.  It is a fast grower, and a very heavy bloomer! 

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