Home |
Strange Wonderful Things Rare and exotic plants |
---|
Here's one you probably haven't seen before. The "Blue Angel" Impatiens has awesome blooms that almost look like blue hummingbirds! This is a new Himalayan species whose name hasn't been determined yet. This delightful Impatiens blooms all year long, and it happens to be easy to grow. It is very rare - I don't know anyone else currently offering it.
This is a perennial species that grows about 2 feet tall and wide. It looks great in a hanging planter, where the blooms can be enjoyed at eye-level. The 1½ inch flowers are bluish-lavender, which blends into yellow toward the curved "beak". Inside the blooms are attractive orange markings. It flowers in waves pretty much all year for me. The blooms share a bird-like resemblance to my Impatiens arguta, however this a different species.
Like many Impatiens, it seems to be happiest between about 50 and 80 degrees F (10-27°C). It is untested in warmer conditions, but it should be able to tolerate it if nights are cool. I suspect it may get stressed if nights are warm (above 65°F / 18°C). I don't know its cold hardiness, but it is able to grow back from the roots, so it should be hardy to at least 25° F (-4°C). Like most Impatiens, it enjoys bright, filtered light. Protect it from strong afternoon sun. It prefers fertile, well-draining soil that's kept evenly moist. Over about 40% humidity is best.
|
Home |
Strange Wonderful Things Rare and exotic plants |
|
---|---|---|
Entire site Copyright 2003-2023 by Strange Wonderful Things, except as noted |