Impatiens omeiana 'Ice Storm'
Mount Omei busy lizzie 'Ice Storm'
A hardy rhizomatous cultivar that has a silvery frosting on the leaves and almost orchid-like, creamy yellow flowers in early autumn. The species is endemic to Sichuan in China. It looks great in a jungle or exotic scheme and is ideal for growing in a container too. Grow in moist, well-drained soil that doesn't dry out. It grows to 50-60cm in height and enjoys semi-shade best but will grow in sun too if kept moist and well watered.
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow White | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | White Yellow | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full shade
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Balsaminaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright, Suckering
- Genus
Impatiens can be annuals or evergreen perennials, with fleshy stems bearing simple, toothed leaves and solitary or clustered, spurred, 5-petalled flowers
- Name status
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in a sheltered, preferably shady spot. Mulch around the plant to help protect and over-winter the shallow rhizomes
Propagation
Propagate by seed or softwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
- Flower borders and beds
- Ground cover
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free outdoors; if grown in a greenhouse or conservatory may be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, glasshouse whitefly, vine weevil and aphids
Diseases
May be susceptible to damping off (seedlings) or grey mould (flower buds)
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.