National Collection of Impatiens

Ray Morgan, a Busy Lizzie enthusiast who holds the National Collection of Impatiens, supplied the first plants to Thompson & Morgan. He originally received a small handful of seeds from the explorers and planted them outside in his garden in Port Talbot. He was amazed by their quick germination and their stunning azure-blue colour when they flowered in the summer of 2004.

Thompson & Morgan's breeders

Thompson & Morgan's breeders were also amazed by the ease of growth of this plant, but they found it was quite lank and sparse blooming, so set to work on making it more suited to the home garden. Impatiens namchabarwensis 'Blue Sky' (THOMIMBLUE, PBR applied for) now has a more compact habit at 45cm high, and improved basal branching (see picture lower right) means many more flowers than the wild species. Impatiens namchabarwensis 'Blue Sky' is an extra special container and bedding plant, with flowers of clear sapphire-blue, above rich green, toothed, 8cm long foliage. In line with its heritage, this Impatiens is ideal for shady corners, perhaps a difficult part of the patio or garden. Plants are half-hardy, although the thick, fleshy roots can be overwintered, and plants will self-seed if required. The richest blue tones of the flower will be experienced on cool mornings, with blooms taking on a purple tinge by mid afternoon.

Please note this plant was previously known as 'Blue Moon', however the name has been changed due to copyright reasons.