Impatiens: The Vibrant World of Busy Lizzies, Balsams, and Touch-Me-Nots

by Raymond J. Morgan

Many gardeners know of Impatiens walleriana , the species that lies behind the myriad colorful garden varieties that brighten up containers, window boxes, and shady spots throughout the world. The genus Impatiens is enormous, comprising over a thousand species--many of which, although highly desirable, remain lilttle known to Western gardeners. Raymond Morgan first examines Impatiens through a botanical lens, describing their physiology, morphology,...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0881928526
• ISBN13: 9780881928525
• Release Date: October 2007
• Publisher: Timber Press (OR)
• Length: 228 Pages
• Weight: 1.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 7.3" x 9.4"

Customer Reviews

"Impatiens" a curious mix

"Impatiens" is a good first try at a book on this popular group of plants. However, it's almost like two books. The first half of the book provides good information on culture and updates on breeding programs (though USA readers should note that the culture information is Brit-slanted). The second half divides the many Impatiens species discussed into geographic groups, and the introductions to each of these sections discuss species in the groups that are, or might be, of horticultural interest. However, the species descriptions that follow are in deadening botanese, and appear to have been derived from formal material published in the professional literature. It would have been better for this reviewer to have had garden-oriented descriptions. And why include such material on species that, as yet, do not have names? How is one to locate plants or seeds of these species even after they have been named? The color pictures are generally of high quality, and create a wish on the part of the reader to obtains some of these plants. Alas, the list of sources is very short and includes no specialist growers (perhaps they do not exist as yet). However, I would recommend the book to those building their garden libraries and who have an interest in going beyond the supermarket trays of walleri and New Guinea Impatiens.

These aren't your grandma's Impatiens!

Probably the first of its kind available to the average reader (and not published in botanical journals), this fine work is a true treasure. While cultural comments are somewhat lacking (some of the Impatiens species seem to grow in cool mountain areas), the main portion of the book is a listing by geographical area of some of the more beautiful (and odd) species. A good addition to your horticultural library.