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This plant is ideally used in the front of the flower border and is prone to reseeding. It was a common garden plant in the 18th century.

Latin Name

Impatiens balsamina


Family

Balsaminaceae


Also Known As

Touch-Me-Not


Type of Plant

Annuals Annuals

Bloom Season

June - September

Seasons

Summer Summer

Specifications

Max height Max Height: 2.5'
Max spread Max Spread: 1.5'

Uses

  • Annual
  • Flower Border

  • Sunlight Exposure

    Part Shade Part Shade
    Full Shade Full Shade

    Tolerances

  • Drought
  • Dry Soil

  • Colors


    Native Range

    India, Southeast Asia


    History

    In 1793, a Mr. Minton Collins of Alexandria advertised balsam seeds for sale which he had received in a shipment from London.


    Other Details

    Pollinator Pollinator

    Planted at Mount Vernon

    Planted at Mount Vernon Upper Garden

  • Upper Garden

  • Hardiness Zones

    USDA basemap

    Average annual extreme minimum temperature 1976-2005

    map legend

    Bartlett Tree Expert Company has been working with Mount Vernon Estate since 2011 providing expert arboricultural care and GPS mapping for the estate’s historic trees, as well as support from their research facility.   Mount Vernon is proud to partner with Bartlett Tree Experts and appreciates their sponsorship of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Plant Finder App.

    Bring Washington's Garden Home

    Purchase our historic seeds, collected from plants grown at Mount Vernon and plant them in your own garden.

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