Impatiens niamniamensis – ‘Parrot Beak Plant’
With the common name of ‘Parrot Beak Plant’, Impatiens niamniamensis is an Impatiens with a difference. A small perennial shrub with nothing really outstanding about it, until it flowers.
It is in late summer that the small red and yellow flowers appear, and they are fascinating. They appear in clusters and do look like ‘Parrot beaks’.
The flowers do tend to be hidden away in the foliage, however they are bright enough to attract attention from most passersby. Usually with the question, What is that plant?
Tell them that it an Impatiens and they will look a little surprised, however it is from central Africa and from this it gets its name Impatiens niamniamensis ‘Congo Cockatoo’ and ‘African Queen’
How to grow Impatiens niamniamensis
Usually grown in containers in all but tropical climates, this is an easy care plant and is long lived.
Provided with protection form extreme cold and frosts, regular watering through summer and a good application of fertiliser in spring the ‘Parrots Beak’ plant will put on an amazing display from summer through to early winter depending on the climate.
- Use a normal free draining potting mix.
- Plant and water in well.
- Protect from hot direct sun, however provide good filtered light.
- Use a wet dry watering cycle allowing the soil to dry just a little between waterings.
- Fertilise using a liquid fertiliser every 3 – 4 weeks from spring through summer, or a slow release fertiliser such as Osmocote.
- Repot as the plant outgrows its container, best carried out in early spring.
Best grown on a warm patio or in a sheltered position with strong filtered light. Hot direct sun will cause foliage to wilt quickly.
If you do forget to water and the plant wilts give it a good soak, by placing the pot in a bucket of water for 15 – 20 minutes and then allowing to drain well. The plant will recover quickly.
Pruning
Regular pruning will help keep Impatiens niamniamensis as a bushy plant. This is a plant that can be cut back fairly hard to renew the growth if desired.
Propagation
Use the pruned sections for cuttings, they will strike in water and can then be transferred into a free draining potting soil.
Impatiens niamniamensis Summary
- Botanical name – Impatiens niamniamensis
- Common Names – Parrot Beak Plant, Congo Cockatoo, Parrot Impatiens.
- Height – To 1m
- Width – To .5m.
- Growth rate – Medium to Fast.
- Position- Filtered shade, however strong light. Flowering will be less in very deep shade.
- Warmth – This is a planet that requires warmth, outdoors is OK, especially from spring to autumn, however in cold climates it will need to be over wintered indoors.
- Soil – Well drained but moist is essential. Humus rich for best results and growth.
- Moisture – Will require some extra water during long dry summers.
- Foliage – Good deep green .
- Flowers – Yellow and red
- Frost tolerant- No
- Fertiliser – Use a liquid seaweed fertiliser every few weeks from spring to mid summer.
Where To Buy Impatiens niamniamensis
138 Olinda-Monbulk Rd, Olinda VIC 3788
"Large range of rare and unusual plants.."
www.gentiananursery.com.au