Impatiens Petersa

Family Balsaminaceae. Differs from I. Waller by more vigorous growth, longer leaf petioles and leaf blades, and purplish-red coloration of the stems and leaves. Native to West Africa.

Care: Plants are kept in winter at 15-20°C, in summer 25-28°C. They are light-loving; when grown in beds they can be planted in a slightly shaded location, while indoors they require plenty of light. Water sparingly in winter, abundantly in summer, 2-3 times a week. General soil mix No.2. The best time for repotting is spring.

Diseases and pests: With excessive watering root collar rot may occur. Mites and thrips are dangerous pests; balsams can also be affected by whitefly.

Propagation: Propagated by cuttings and by sowing seeds. Cuttings are rooted in a peat-sand mixture or placed in water. Rooting occurs, depending on the time of year, within 1-2 weeks. When propagated by seed there is partial loss of cultivar characteristics.

Usage: Used as a potted plant, for decorating balconies, and planted in flowerbeds.

Name: Comes from the Greek word 'pelargos' - the stork's beak, and refers to the presence of a long fruit resembling a stork's beak.

Description: The genus comprises about 250 species, mainly occurring in South Africa.

Perennial herbaceous or semi-shrub plants. Stems erect or creeping, branched. Leaves attractive, simple, palmate or palmately divided. Flowers of various colors, gathered in few- or many-flowered umbel-like inflorescences. In common usage these plants are often incorrectly called "geraniums".

Nowadays the breeding of this crop is carried out by large centers that also produce planting material. Most cultivars are reproduced by cuttings, but there are also series of seed propagation (usually F1 hybrids). Naturally, the latest methods of biotechnology are employed, without which rapid and targeted renewal of the assortment would be unthinkable. Germany has made a huge contribution to the breeding of pelargonium and its development as an important industrial potted crop.