Have you ever heard of the captivating balsam flower? It thrives in shaded garden spaces. Known as the impatiens balsamina or touch-me-not plant, it's perfect for partially shaded landscapes. But why is this plant so loved by gardeners?
It's because of its unique ability to bring magic to shade gardens. The balsam flower is an annual that blooms beautifully in the shade. It adds a special charm to any garden.
Let's explore why gardeners adore this plant and how to grow it in your shade garden.
What is a Balsam Flower?
The balsam flower, known as Impatiens balsamina, is part of the Balsaminaceae family. It's also called the garden balsam, touch-me-not plant, or simply balsam plant. This plant is native to South Asia but has spread worldwide for its beauty and ease of care.
Balsam (Impatiens balsamina) was a favorite among gardeners in the early 1900s. It's not as common today, but it thrives in both sunny and shady spots. This annual flower is easy to grow.
Balsam plants stand tall, between 12 to 36 inches, and have upright growth. They bloom in pink, red, white, and light purple. Two varieties, 'Camellia-Flower Mix' and 'Bush Mix,' were tested in North Dakota in 2020. They got high scores and were highly recommended by gardeners.
First-time gardeners were pleased with balsam's health, blooms, and its appeal to bees and hummingbirds. It's tough and can handle winds, making it great for pots or as a garden plant. Even in hot and dry conditions, both varieties bloomed well, showing off their colors and unique seed pods.
Impatiens balsamina has been used for centuries to treat scurvy, dysentery, and inflammation.
How to Grow Balsam Flowers
Growing balsam flowers, also known as touch-me-not, is a fun way to brighten your shade garden. These annuals are easy to spread using seed propagation and stem cuttings.
To start with seed propagation, collect seed pods from a healthy plant. Let the pods dry and open, then sow the seeds in a seed starting mix. Cover the seeds lightly since they need some light to grow. Keep the soil moist and in indirect sunlight until the seedlings are ready to move outside, which takes about 10 to 15 days.
Or, you can grow balsam flowers with stem cuttings. Cut 4-6 inch pieces from the top of healthy plants, remove lower leaves, and put them in a potting mix. Keep the soil moist and provide partial shade until roots form, which takes 3-4 weeks.
When moving seedlings or cuttings, space them 12 to 18 inches apart in partial shade. Balsam plants do well in well-drained, fertile soil and need water at least once a week when it's dry.
With the right care, your balsam flowers will give you a beautiful show of color from early summer to the first frost. Whether from seed or cuttings, these lovely balsam plants are perfect for any shade garden.
Caring for Balsam Flowers
To keep balsam flowers healthy, it's important to provide the right growing conditions. They like partial shade to full sun, especially some morning sun. They also prefer well-draining soil that's a bit acidic and keeps moisture but doesn't get too wet.
Feeding them a balanced fertilizer every 2-4 weeks in the growing season helps a lot. This keeps their leaves lush and their flowers blooming well. Mulching around the plants also helps by keeping the soil moist and stopping weeds from growing. Pruning, like cutting off the tips when they're 4 inches tall, makes them bushier and stops them from getting too tall.
By giving your balsam flowers the right amount of sunlight, soil, water, and nutrients, they'll do great all season. They'll show off their unique beauty in shaded garden spots.
| Balsam Plant Care Requirements | Recommended Conditions |
|---|---|
| Sunlight | Partial shade to full sun, with some morning sunlight tolerated |
| Soil | Well-draining, slightly acidic |
| Watering | Consistent moisture, avoiding waterlogged soil |
| Fertilization | Balanced fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season |
| Mulching | Helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds |
| Pruning | Pinch off tips when plants reach 4 inches tall to encourage bushiness |
Potential Side Effects and Precautions
Balsam flowers are usually safe, but there are some things to know. The sap or leaves can irritate the skin, making it red and itchy. Eating the plant might cause nausea or stomach pain.
Some people might have allergies or allergic reactions to balsam flowers. Being in the sun after touching the plant can also cause skin problems like redness or rash.
It's wise to keep balsam plants away from kids and pets. When handling the plant, wear gloves and long sleeves. Avoid touching the sap or leaves on your skin. If you get skin irritation or other bad reactions, stop using it and see a doctor.
Balsam is likely safe when eaten in small amounts, like in food. But, we don't have enough science to say it's safe for bigger medicinal doses. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not use balsam because it's not proven safe for them.
Before adding balsam flowers to your garden or using them for health reasons, talk to a doctor or an herbalist. They can tell you the right way to use it and warn you about any risks or problems.
Fascinating Facts About Balsam Flowers
The balsam flower, known as Impatiens balsamina, is part of the Balsaminaceae family. It's an annual plant that blooms beautifully. Its seeds burst open to spread seeds far away.
This plant blooms from late spring to the first fall frost. It likes 3-4 hours of sunlight and fertile, moist soil. The plant grows 12 to 36 inches tall, with flowers in pink, red, white, and light purple.
It takes 10 to 15 days for the seeds to germinate. They prefer full to partial sun and moist, well-drained soil. The flowers come in vibrant colors like pink, purple, red, and white.
Balsam has many uses, like being edible and treating burns and arthritis. It attracts bees, birds, and is often grown for beauty.
While garden balsam is usually pest-free, it can get aphids and mildew. It can grow wild in some places, becoming invasive.
Garden Balsam comes from India, China, and Japan. It was brought to America in the 18th century. Thomas Jefferson planted it at Shadwell in 1767. Seeds from 3 to 9 years old can produce double flowers.
The Japanese used its juice to dye their nails red.
Conclusion
The balsam flower, also known as Impatiens balsamina, is a great choice for shade gardens. These plants, from South Asia, add charm and bright colors to shaded spots. They are easy to grow from seeds or cuttings, perfect for gardeners wanting more color.
Knowing how to care for them makes balsam flowers a great pick for shade gardens. This guide has given readers the tips to keep these plants thriving. It covers everything from shade preference to watering and deadheading.
In conclusion, the balsam flower is a versatile and rewarding plant for gardens. With the advice from this article, gardeners can easily add its beauty to shaded areas. It's a low-care way to enjoy a colorful and enchanting garden.
