Impatiens aurella: complete guide

Overview

Impatiens aurella, known as pale yellow touch-me-not or yellow touch-me-not, is a delightful annual plant from the Balsaminaceae family from North America.

Appearance and Bloom

Pale yellow touch-me-not is a compact plant growing 30-50 cm tall with succulent green foliage. Flowers appear throughout the growing season and display characteristic golden-yellow hues.

Ideal Location

Impatiens aurella thrives best in shaded to partially shaded environments. Full sun damages this plant and causes scorching.

Soil

Pale yellow touch-me-not requires consistently moist to wet soil. Soil must be rich in organic material.

Watering

Watering is essential for Impatiens aurella. The plant must be kept constantly moist but not waterlogged.

Pruning

Minimal pruning is necessary. Remove spent flowers regularly to stimulate more blooms.

Maintenance Calendar

Spring (March-April): Start seeds indoors. Summer (May-September): Water regularly. Autumn (October-November): Gradually reduce watering. Winter (December-February): Plant rests.

Winter Hardiness

Impatiens aurella is not winter-hardy and dies back at the first hard frost.

Companion Plants

• Hosta species (Hosta)
• Astilbe japonica (Japanese astilbe)
• Helleborus niger (Christmas rose)
• Ferns
• Carex oshimensis (Japanese sedge)

Find these shade-loving plants at Intratuin or Gamma.

Closing Thoughts

While Impatiens aurella is not as well-known as other Impatiens species this golden touch-me-not offers elegance to shaded gardens.