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Herbaceous Perennial

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.

Synonyms
Impatiens from China
Impatiens omeiana silver-leaved
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H4
Botanical details
Family
Balsaminaceae
Native to the UK
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)

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