Balsam
Impatiens balsamina
![[impatiens_balsamina]](/sites/default/files/inbloom/large/impatiens_balsamina.jpg)
Jefferson planted "Double balsam" at Shadwell in April 1767 and ordered seeds from Bernard McMahon in 1812. This was among the "more valuable and curious sorts of tender annuals" to McMahon, who gave detailed instructions for the raising of young plants in hot beds, which were cold frames heated by decomposing manure. Balsams, especially, the newly developed double varieties with striped flowers, were more esteemed in Jefferson's time than they are today.
From Thomas Jefferson's Flower Garden at Monticello by Edward M. Betts.
Growth Type:
Annual
Color(s):
Reds, White
Hardiness Zones:
4 - 10
Location at Monticello:
West Lawn
Planting Conditions:
Partial Shade
Map it: 38.009893,-78.452736
Visit Monticello's Online Shop to check for seeds or plants of Balsam.
Blooming Dates
2001: Jul 21 – Oct 42002: Jul 5 – Oct 112003: Jul 4 – Oct 172004: Jun 24 – Oct 262005: Jun 17 – Oct 252006: Jun 30 – Oct 272007: Jul 6 – Oct 262008: Jun 24 – Oct 132009: Jun 19 – Oct 142010: Jun 28 – Nov 12012: Jul 20 – Oct 24