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
Bloom Season
June - September
Seasons
Summer
Specifications
Max Height: 2.5'
Max Spread: 1.5'
Uses
Sunlight Exposure
Part Shade
Full Shade
Tolerances
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
Planted at Mount Vernon
Hardiness Zones
Average annual extreme minimum temperature 1976-2005
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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