Impatiens Capensis- An Interesting and Versatile Plant for Deck Gardens

Impatiens Capensis , otherwise known as the Spotted Jewelweed, Spotted Touch-Me-Not, or Orange Balsam. It’s a wildflower with a number of useful and interesting properties. It can be found in the wild in shaded and damp areas. It prefers damp soil so if you live in a dry arid region, they will be difficult to grow, or require lots of care. They can be seen on the forest floor, along the banks of ponds, in swamps, and even in shaded areas along the roadside. They are, in all senses of the word- Beautiful.

They have green translucent stems and green leaves that appear silvery and “jeweled” when viewed under water. The flower, which blooms from late spring to early fall, is yellow-orange with orange spots. During the summer and early fall, the plant will fling out tiny seeds when touched which is why they are sometimes called Touch-Me-Nots. They are a great addition to deck gardens everywhere.

Friends and family will be taken back by how beautiful this addition to your deck is. But it is not just people that this flower will attract. If you love hummingbirds, then they will happily visit your deck gardens to feed on the nectar found in the flower of this plant. Hummingbirds don’t just feed on this nectar, they have a special fondness for it. Don’t be surprised to find butterflies visiting for a nectar snack as well. But making deck gardens beautiful is not the only use of Impatiens Capensis.

Perhaps the most interesting feature of this plant is that it’s a remedy for poison ivy and poison oak. Which is a miracle for someone like me, who is extremely allergic but still loves the outdoors. When applied to the skin after contact with poison ivy, it will lessen or prevent the development of a rash. Various Jewelweed soaps and salves for treating poison ivy are even sold online at places such as amazon.com. However, mashing up the leaves and stems of a fresh plant in your hands and then applying it to the affected area works best. Native Americans have used Jewelweed for centuries as a poison ivy treatment.

Planting Jewelweed

Sprinkle the seeds on the surface of the soil. Do not bury them. They need sunlight to germinate, so the pots should be kept in the sun until the seedlings sprout. Afterwards, they require shade and the soil must be kept moist. Apply a thick mulch as well. Other than these requirements, the plants need just need a little tender loving care.

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