Himalayan Balsam
Impatiens glandulifera
Also listed as Impatiens roylei, Balsamina glandulifera
Also known as Indian Balsam, Policeman's Helmet, Himalayan Touch-me-not
Climate Match for your location
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A fast-growing herbaceous annual or short-lived perennial with succulent stems and clusters of pink, red, or purple flowers. Popular for cottage gardens and shade borders, though invasive in some regions.
Why grow it
Himalayan balsam establishes quickly in moist, shaded sites where slower-growing perennials struggle, offering early-season floral color with minimal establishment time. Compared to other shade-tolerant annuals, it tolerates wet conditions and deep shade better than most alternatives. However, its short lifespan and self-seeding habit mean it requires either annual replanting or deliberate deadheading to prevent volunteer seedlings.
Watch out for
The succulent stems are brittle and can easily snap during handling or cultivation, potentially creating many small plant fragments if stems break near soil level. Self-sown seedlings often emerge densely the following season even if the parent plant is removed, so monitor disturbed soil nearby for volunteers.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Balsaminaceae
Native Range
Himalayan region
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A fast-growing herbaceous annual or short-lived perennial with succulent stems and clusters of pink, red, or purple flowers. Popular for cottage gardens and shade borders, though invasive in some regions.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Himalayan Balsam grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Himalayan balsam establishes quickly in moist, shaded sites where slower-growing perennials struggle, offering early-season floral color with minimal establishment time. Compared to other shade-tolerant annuals, it tolerates wet conditions and deep shade better than most alternatives. However, its short lifespan and self-seeding habit mean it requires either annual replanting or deliberate deadheading to prevent volunteer seedlings.
Watch out for
The succulent stems are brittle and can easily snap during handling or cultivation, potentially creating many small plant fragments if stems break near soil level. Self-sown seedlings often emerge densely the following season even if the parent plant is removed, so monitor disturbed soil nearby for volunteers.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Balsaminaceae
Native Range
Himalayan region
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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