Touch-Me-Not

(Impatiens briartii)

Touch-Me-Not (Impatiens briartii)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Impatiens briartii, commonly known as Touch-Me-Not, is a deciduous perennial herb native to the understory of montane rainforests in Central and Eastern Africa. It typically grows to a height of 0.7-3 feet (0.2-0.9 meters) and a width of 0.7-2 feet (0.2-0.6 meters). The plant is characterized by its succulent stems and lance-shaped leaves. It produces distinctive pink flowers with a unique pouch-like shape throughout the spring, summer, and fall, which are quite showy and can add a splash of color to shady garden areas.

Touch-Me-Not is valued for its ornamental flowers and its ability to thrive in shaded conditions, making it suitable for woodland gardens, shaded borders, and as an underplanting for taller shrubs or trees. It prefers moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter and will benefit from regular watering, especially during dry periods. While it enjoys full sun in its native habitat, in hotter regions it will require protection from intense afternoon sun. It is not commonly afflicted by diseases, but can be susceptible to fungal infections if conditions are too wet. This plant is not known for aggressive roots or significant pest problems. It is not typically invasive when grown outside its native range, but gardeners should always monitor their plants and manage them responsibly.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.7-3 feet
  • Width: 0.7-2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Pink
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance

Natural Habitat

Native to the understory of montane rainforests in Central and Eastern Africa

Other Names

Common Names: Ikizigangore, Umulembwo

Scientific Names: , Impatiens briartii, Impatiens exellii, Impatiens bagshawei, Impatiens fissibractea, Petalonema fissibracteum,

GBIF Accepted Name: Impatiens briartii De Wild. & T.Durand