garden balsam

plant

Also known as: Impatiens balsamina

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Last updated

June 29, 2026

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The garden balsam, scientifically known as Impatiens balsamina, is a plant characterized by its pubescent stem, lanceolate leaves, and flowers that bloom in various shades of white, purple, rose, and pink. This species is native to Asia but is widely cultivated in temperate regions.12

The genus Impatiens, to which the garden balsam belongs, is known for its "impatient" seedpods that burst open upon slight pressure, scattering their seeds. This genus is distributed across Asia, Africa, and North America, with several species being popular garden plants. While the term "balm" can refer to aromatic herbs of the mint family or resins from certain trees, the garden balsam is specifically an Impatiens species.234

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Impatiens
The garden balsam (Impatiens balsamina) is native to the tropics of Asia but has long been cultivated in temperate regions of the world. The plant is an annual that grows about 75 cm (30 inches) in height and has many horticultural forms with flowers of almost…
Read More
The garden balsam (Impatiens balsamina) is native to the tropics of Asia but has long been cultivated in temperate regions of the world. The plant is an annual that grows about 75 cm (30 inches) in height and has many horticultural forms with flowers of almost…
Read More