When most of us think of Impatiens, we picture the little flat-faced shade-loving annuals that are sold in garden centers all over. But the genus is far more diverse than that, with species ranging from tiny epiphytes to 6-foot giants, from creepers and trailers, to robust stalky uprights. Some are annual, some perennial, and they have flowers in all colors. What they all share, however, is some shape of "tail" on the back of their flowers and the ability to fling their seed "impatiently"!
I find their variation and growth endlessly fascinating and have collected quite a few. Some came from my favorite nursery, Annie's Annuals, and others were provided by Mr. Impatiens (Derick Pitman)
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