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This beautiful Vietnamese Impatiens species was recently discovered in the forests of Northern Vietnam. It's a striking plant, not just for its exotic blooms, but also its robust growth habit and unusual leaves, which have little resemblance to typical Impatiens. It blooms almost constantly throughout the year and makes a great show plant! I don't think it has been given a species name yet. It probably isn't available elsewhere online. It is a perennial species with rigid stems and an upright habit, growing to about 2 feet tall. The older stems become woody at the base, which is pretty strange for Impatiens. Its sturdy design probably helps the plant withstand heavy rainfall. The robust leaves grow 6 inches long and are thick, glossy, and deeply ribbed. The bird-shaped blossoms dangle from 6 inch long panicles almost all year for me. These inflated blooms are just under 2 inches long, and have pretty pink & yellow markings inside. You might be able to cross-breed this species with some other Impatiens to create new hybrids. It grows well indoors for me at temperatures between 60 and 80°F (16-27°C). I have not tried it outside that temperature range, but i suspect it might be unhappy below 50° (10°C), or above 85° (29°C), especially if nights are warm. Like most Impatiens, it enjoys fertile, well-draining soil that's kept evenly moist. It uses a lot of water. It likes bright, filtered light or morning sun. Shade it from strong afternoon sun or it may wilt. Over about 40-50% humidity is best. In the right conditions, it is an easy and vigorous plant.
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