Origin
Impatiens gesneroidea x I. purpureo-violacea Hell is a hybrid species created through crossbreeding of two other Impatiens species - Impatiens gesneroidea and Impatiens purpureo-violacea. The hybrid plant originated from a specialized plant breeding program developed in Hell’s Nursery, a renowned horticultural establishment located in Poland.
Common Names
Impatiens gesneroidea x I. purpureo-violacea Hell is commonly known as "Busy Lizzie" or "Balsam" in English-speaking countries. It is also known as "Niecierpek" in Polish, its country of origin, which translates to "impatient" in English.
Uses
The Impatiens gesneroidea x I. purpureo-violacea Hell plant features showy blooms in a wide range of vibrant colors, ranging from white, pink, red, orange, and purple. As such, it is an attractive ornamental plant that is widely cultivated for its beauty. The plant is well-suited for use in container plantings, hanging baskets, and garden beds. It thrives in moist and shady locations, making it an excellent option for areas that do not receive direct sunlight.
General Appearance
The Impatiens gesneroidea x I. purpureo-violacea Hell plant has a bushy and compact growth habit, typically reaching heights of 6-12 inches and a width of 6-10 inches. The plant has bright rich green leaves that are arranged in an alternate pattern along the stem. The leaves are glossy and have a somewhat serrated margin, giving them an attractive appearance. The flowers are the most striking feature of the plant, consisting of five petals arranged asymmetrically around the center. They have a distinctive spur that protrudes from the back, giving them a unique shape.
Light Requirements
Impatiens gesneroidea x I. purpureo-violacea Hell. thrives in partial or full shade. Direct sunlight can cause the leaves to burn and the plants to wither. Therefore, it is best to be grown in an area with filtered sunlight, such as under a tree canopy or in a location with morning sun and afternoon shade.
Temperature Requirements
This plant grows best in warm temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit can cause the plant to wilt and not perform well. It is important to protect the plant from frost as it is not cold-hardy.
Soil Requirements
The ideal soil for Impatiens gesneroidea x I. purpureo-violacea Hell. is a well-draining and fertile soil with a slightly acidic pH of 5.5 to 6.5. The soil should also be rich in organic matter, such as compost or peat moss, which helps to retain moisture and nutrients. This plant prefers consistently moist soil but can be sensitive to overwatering or waterlogged soil.
Cultivation Methods
Impatiens gesneroidea x I. purpureo-violacea Hell., also known as New Guinea impatiens, is commonly grown as an annual or perennial plant. It is a shade-loving plant that requires a well-draining soil and moderate temperatures. For optimal growth, plant the New Guinea impatiens in a soil that is fertile, rich in nutrients, and moist.
If planting in a garden bed, ensure that the soil is loosened to a depth of at least 6-8 inches. New Guinea impatiens should be planted in a spot with dappled shade, as too much sunlight can harm its foliage. If growing in a container, use a pot with a drainage hole at the bottom to prevent waterlogging the roots.
Watering Needs
The New Guinea impatiens requires regular watering, especially during the hot summer months. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Be cautious not to overwater, as this can cause root rot. Avoid wetting the foliage while watering, as this may lead to the growth of fungal diseases.
Be particularly careful during the dry winter months when the air may be excessively dry. In such cases, you could place a tray of pebbles filled with water beneath the plant, which will aid in producing humidity around your plant.
Fertilization
New Guinea impatiens frequently requires fertilization to promote healthy growth and flowering. Begin feeding the plant with a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20, roughly every third watering. Alternatively, you could use a slow-release fertilizer granular formulation applied every 2-3 months.
Fertilization should be done during the growing season, which begins in the early spring and continues through the fall. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid overfeeding the plant, which could lead to burnt foliage and root damage.
Pruning
Pruning New Guinea impatiens is necessary for controlling its size and shape, promoting flowering, and removing diseased or damaged foliage. Prune your plant in the early spring before new growth begins, eliminating spent flowers, stems, and leaves to ensure optimal air circulation around the plant.
Pinch the tips of the plants occasionally to encourage fuller, more compact growth. Also, be sure to remove any diseased, wilted, or dead foliage whenever detected to prevent the spread of disease to other parts of the plant.
Propagation of Impatiens Gesneroidea x I. Purpureo-violacea Hell.
Impatiens Gesneroidea x I. Purpureo-violacea Hell., commonly known as New Guinea Impatiens or NGI, can be propagated by seed and vegetative methods.
Propagation by Seed
Seeds of NGI can be sown indoors in early spring, 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost. Sow the seeds in a well-draining, sterile seed-starting mix. Cover the seeds lightly with soil and keep the soil moist. Germination typically occurs within 1 to 3 weeks at 70-75°F.
Once the seedlings develop their first pair of true leaves, transplant them to individual pots or a larger container. Gradually acclimate the plants to the outdoor conditions before transplanting them to their permanent location.
Propagation by Vegetative Methods
NGI can also be propagated by stem cuttings, division, and tissue culture.
Stem cuttings: Take stem cuttings of mature and healthy plants in late summer or fall. The cuttings should be 3-4 inches long with at least two nodes. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Insert the cutting in a well-draining, sterile potting mix and keep the soil moist. Roots should develop within 3 to 4 weeks.
Division: NGI can be divided in early spring before new growth begins. Dig up the plant and gently separate the root clump into smaller sections, each with several stems and roots. Plant the divisions in a well-draining, fertile soil mix and keep the soil moist until new growth appears.
Tissue culture: NGI can also be propagated through tissue culture, which is a laboratory-based technique. The process involves taking a small piece of the plant tissue and growing it on a sterile, nutrient-rich medium under controlled conditions. This method is used for mass propagation of uniform and disease-free plants.
Disease Management
There are various diseases that can affect Impatiens gesneroidea x I. purpureo-violacea Hell., including:
- Downy Mildew: This is a very common disease that can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. It is caused by a fungus and is spread through water or soil. To manage this disease, make sure to water the plants from the base and not from above, remove any infected leaves, and avoid overcrowding the plants.
- Root Rot: This disease is caused by a fungus that can thrive in wet soil conditions. To prevent root rot, make sure to water the plant properly and never let it sit in standing water. If you notice any signs of root rot, such as yellowing leaves or stunted growth, remove the plant from the soil and cut away any infected roots before repotting in fresh soil.
- Virus: There are various viruses that can affect Impatiens species, causing stunted growth, yellowing of the leaves, and distorted flowers. Unfortunately, there is no cure for viruses, and infected plants should be removed as soon as possible to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Impatiens gesneroidea x I. purpureo-violacea Hell. can also be affected by common garden pests, including:
- Aphids: These tiny insects can suck the sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To manage an aphid infestation, try spraying the plant with a solution of water and dish soap, or use insecticidal soap.
- Spider Mites: These pests are difficult to see with the naked eye, but you may notice webbing on the leaves of the plant. Spider mites can cause the leaves to turn yellow and eventually fall off. To manage a spider mite infestation, try spraying the plant with a solution of water and dish soap, or use a miticide.
- Slugs and Snails: These pests can leave unsightly holes in the leaves of the plant. To manage a slug or snail infestation, try using a beer trap or hand-pick them off the plant at night when they are most active.
It's important to closely monitor plants for signs of disease and pests, and take action as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Using organic methods of pest and disease management whenever possible is also recommended to protect the environment and beneficial insects.
