Firmula Touch-Me-Not
(Impatiens firmula)
Firmula Touch-Me-Not (Impatiens firmula)
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© Steven Bachman
CC BY 4.0
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© Steven Bachman
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Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
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Photo by: © Steven Bachman | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Uploader: stevenkew | Publisher: iNaturalist |





Estimated Native Range
Summary
Impatiens firmula, commonly known as the Firmula Touch-me-not, is a perennial herb native to the understory of temperate forests, stream banks, and moist grasslands in East Asia, particularly in regions like Korea and parts of China. This species typically grows to a height of 1.5-2.5 feet (0.46-0.8 meters) and a width of 1.5-2 feet (0.5-0.6 meters). It features succulent stems and lance-shaped leaves, with the plant’s most striking attribute being its pink, showy flowers that bloom profusely in the summer and fall, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
The Firmula Touch-me-not is valued for its ornamental flowers and its ability to thrive in shaded garden areas where other plants may struggle. It is often used in border plantings, woodland gardens, and as a ground cover due to its spreading habit. This plant prefers consistently moist, well-drained loam soils and part shade, mimicking its natural forest floor habitat. While it requires medium amounts of water, it is important to avoid waterlogged conditions to prevent root rot. Impatiens firmula is generally low-maintenance but can be susceptible to downy mildew and should be monitored for this disease. It is not known to be invasive and does not have aggressive roots, making it a safe choice for most garden settings.CC BY-SA 4.0
The Firmula Touch-me-not is valued for its ornamental flowers and its ability to thrive in shaded garden areas where other plants may struggle. It is often used in border plantings, woodland gardens, and as a ground cover due to its spreading habit. This plant prefers consistently moist, well-drained loam soils and part shade, mimicking its natural forest floor habitat. While it requires medium amounts of water, it is important to avoid waterlogged conditions to prevent root rot. Impatiens firmula is generally low-maintenance but can be susceptible to downy mildew and should be monitored for this disease. It is not known to be invasive and does not have aggressive roots, making it a safe choice for most garden settings.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1.5-2.5 feet
- Width: 1.5-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Pink
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention:
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant
Natural Habitat
Understory of temperate forests, stream banks, and moist grasslands in East Asia
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: , Impatiens firmula, Impatiens capensis, Impatiens capensis, Impatiens filipes, Impatiens firmula var. macrosepala, Impatiens leptopoda var. madagascariensis,
GBIF Accepted Name: