Impatiens namchabarwensis
"Blue Diamond Impatiens"

Hold on to your hats, folks. This one’s a doosie! In 2003, an expedition to the (tongue-twisting) Namchabarwa canyon* in Tibet discovered this rarest jewel of a “jewelweed” – an ultramarine-blue flowered Impatiens. It was found in a very limited & remote location, but its scarcity doesn’t at all impede its cultivation - not only is this plant hardy (how hardy is as yet untested, so let us know) but it reseeds, making it a triple whammy of a plant – super rare, totally gorgeous, & completely garden worthy. The plants are compactly growing to about 2’, & very floriferous, & the flowers themselves are breathtaking in color & in form. The color seems to change with temperature & exposure – sometimes it’s REALLY TRULY BLUE, & other times it’s a deep purple, but it’s always exquisite. Truly a plant to treasure, if you can get your hands on one!

*A canyon that’s not only the deepest canyon in the world - twice as deep as the Grand Canyon - but is also an area that’s been studied only since 1994. Can you say WOW?

Note: Generally, species Impatiens prefer cool Summer climates with little frost, and suffer in areas with too much heat and humidity!

Claire Woods