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Impatiens bombycina - "Parrot Impatiens"

Welcome to the rare Impatiens bombycina, a very unusual species from rainforests of Uganda and neighboring Congo in east Africa.  Its bizarre blooms have a close resemblance to my Parrot Impatiens, except they are raspberry colored and are covered with fuzzy hairs, as if dusted with sugar!  This is a first-rate houseplant that blooms all year long and is easy to grow.  It is quite rare in cultivation, and seldom seen for sale.

Impatiens bombycina

Impatiens bombycina is a perennial species that typically grows 1 to 2 feet tall, but potentially larger.  Like the other "Parrot Impatiens", it has an upright, tree-like shape and rigid stems.  The leaf stems are an attractive red, and the undersides of the leaves develop beautiful red markings between the veins.  The blooms emerge straight off the main stem, instead of from the new growth like many Impatiens.  The large blooms are shaped sort of like a seahorse and are 1½ inches tall.  The species name "bombycina" means "silky" in Latin.  I'm not quite sure of the purpose of the silky hairs, but they add a whimsical touch to this unique plant.

Impatiens bombycina

It seems to be happiest between about 50 and 80 degrees F (10-27°C).  It can tolerate warmer conditions if nights are cool (below 65°F / 18°C).  It's possible that hot days with warm nights might stress it.  I don't think it can take any frost.  It grows well in a pot in bright shade or filtered sunlight.  Protect it from strong afternoon sun.  Like most Impatiens, it enjoys fertile, well-draining soil kept evenly moist, and at least 40% humidity.  In the right conditions, it's an easy, low-maintenance plant.

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