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Impatiens insignis 

This is a close look at Impatiens insignis from the Himalayas around Nepal.  Quite different from common Impatiens, it's unusual both for its long, hooked "tail" and its distinctive, banded stems.  It is a vigorous plant that is easy to grow, and reportedly is frost-hardy.  The plant is highly rare in cultivation, and seldom seen for sale.

Impatiens insignis

 Impatiens insignis is a perennial species with upright stems that grow to about 3 feet tall.  Its rigid stems have thickened nodes and attractive, translucent purple stripes, looking sort of like an earthworm!  Outdoors it tends to flower in autumn, while indoors under lights it can bloom at varying times of the year.  The flower clusters appear at the top of the shoots and have about 4 to 8 flowers, but reportedly up to 20.  The 1½ inch blossoms are a pretty pink or mauve, and have yellow & red markings inside.  You might be able to cross-breed it with some other Impatiens species to create new hybrids.

Impatiens insignis

I don't know its climate tolerances, but many Himalayan Impatiens prefer mild daytime temperatures and cool nights.  Consider it experimental in temperatures consistently above 85° F (29°C), especially with warm nights (above 65°F / 18°C).  The plant can go deciduous outdoors in winter, and its roots are reportedly hardy to 15° F (-9°C).  It likes fertile, well-draining soil.  Keep the soil wet, and not simply moist, otherwise it may not flower reliably.  Like most Impatiens, it prefers filtered sun or bright shade.  Protect it from strong afternoon sun.  Over about 40% humidity is best.

Impatiens insignis

 

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