Raffael® Bright Rose F1

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Balsaminaceae

Order

Ericales

Genus

Impatiens

Species

wallerian

Description

An ornamental herbaceous plant with a compact growth habit and a long summer flowering period, it is easy to care for and often reasonably priced. It is one of the most popular plants for use in flowerbeds thanks to its abundant, brightly coloured flowers and its ability to grow in shaded areas; It is also suitable for decorating terraces or balconies in pots and planters. The current varieties, categorised into series, differ in terms of their final height, as well as the size and colour of their flowers.

Species video

https://youtu.be/sXnIZiYIdgs

Variety description

Compact and early-flowering. Suitable for rapid cultivation in packs and 8 and 10 cm pots. It is the most suitable variety for semi-shaded flowerbeds, but also copes well with sunnier spots or full shade. Naturally, the height of the plant in the flowerbed is inversely proportional to the amount of light it receives. It also adapts well to growing in planters, brightening up the less sunny corners of a balcony or garden. It is one of the longest-lasting and most economical summer blooms, thanks to the low cost of the plants.

Curiosities and special features

The genus name derives from the Latin ‘impatiens’, meaning ‘impatient’, in reference to the mature, indehiscent capsules which, when touched, burst open, scattering the seeds they contain, whilst the specific epithet, ‘walleriana’, honours the missionary H. Waller, who discovered it in the 19th century. It is commonly known as the ‘glass flower’ or ‘glass plant’ due to the delicacy of its stems.

The genus Impatiens belongs to the family Balsaminaceae,whose namederives from ‘Balsamina’, a common epithet for the wild speciesImpatiens balsamina, which in turn derives from the Greek term ‘bálsamon’ – meaning ‘balsam’ – in reference to certain aromatic substances produced by the plant.

Origin and distribution

A species native to East Africa, specifically Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi and Mozambique; it is widely cultivated and commonly naturalised in tropical and subtropical Asia and Africa. It was introduced to Europe by the missionary H. Waller in 1896, where it was initially grown as a greenhouse plant due to the prevailing climatic conditions; in recent decades, partly thanks to the introduction of new varieties distinguished by their growth habit, size and the colour of their flowers and leaves, it has been used as an ornamental plant for landscaping in flowerbeds and borders.

Flower size

The flower is of average size compared with those of other varieties.

Leaf

Leaf has an oval lamina.

Flowering period

The floweringperiod lastsfrom mid-spring to early autumn, spanning 160 to 180 days.

Leaf colour

Solid-coloured Leaf, in perfect colour balance with the Flower.

Plant height

The plant ranges in height from 0.25 to 0.36 m, making it ideal for compact, colourful arrangements, including in combinations with other ornamental species of varying heights and with different shades of foliage and flowers.

Lifespan

This plant is grown as an annual as it may not survive low winter temperatures.

Where to plant

Compact, early and with a long summer flowering period, its use is recommended for ornamenting flower beds, terraces, borders, planters

Stem

It has a herbaceous stem and the plant has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is simple in shape and of medium size. The petals are a solid colour. It flowers from mid-spring to early autumn, with a flowering period of between 160 and 180 days.

Growth

Growth is compact and guarantees scenic, flowerbed or planter compositions.

Plant habit

The growth habit is typically globular, allowing the formation of uniform clusters resembling coloured, semi-spherical cushions.

Branching

It develops by producingabundant branching, giving the plant a well-tended appearance, rich in Leaf and flowers.

PH

It prefers a slightly acidic Soil/medium pH between a minimum of 6.2 and a maximum of 6.8.

Soil preparation

To prepare the soil properly for transplanting, dig to a depth of 20–30 cm, removing any weeds, residues from previous crops and large stones; then work in organic or slow-release chemical fertiliser and, if the soil is too compact, add some sand as well. Break up the denser clods using a spade. To improve drainage of excess water, create a raised bed by slightly mounding the soil; finally, spread a layer of professional-grade growing medium approximately 5–10 cm thick over the surface and level it carefully.

Sun exposure

Gives a bright and lively colour note in flower beds, borders, terraces and balconies, preferring positions in half shade, light shade, east/south east, full sun exposure but above 300 m above sea level.

Ideal climate and temperature

The biological temperature ranges from 10 to 32 °C.The ideal temperature is between 16 and 20 °C, making it suitable for temperate spring and summer climates.

Use

As it adapts well to shady areas and to settings of both modest size – where it can serve as the main decorative feature – and larger spaces – where it can be combined with other flowering plants – it is regarded as the ideal plant for
Outdoor ornamental use Landscaping

Hardiness

It is moderately hardy and adapts well to being grown in both planters and flowerbeds, bringing a splash of colour to the less sunny corners of your garden.

Soil

It offers the best vegetative growth and flowering results in light, medium-textured soils with adequate drainage and a suitable organic matter content. When used in pots and planters, a substrate for spring plants based on peat and perlite is recommended.

Difficulty

It is the optimal solution for ornamenting gardens, terraces and flowerbeds, without requiring particular effort in its maintenance, as it is easy to manage and cultivate.

Growing tips

To ensure the plant develops well and flowers profusely, we recommend:

Keep the growing medium dry at low temperatures

Combinations with other plants

It can be used to great effect in mixed plantings with other ornamental plants such as Antirrhinum majus, Begonia, Coleus blumei, Fuchsia, Helichrysum petiolare, Euphorbia hypericifolia, Lobelia erinus,Lobularia maritima, Scaevola aemula, Senecio cineraria and Solenostemon coleoides.

Planting

For planting in flowerbeds, an average density of 27 plants per square metre is recommended, so that each individual plant can grow properly, resulting in an overall well-proportioned and harmonious display. We suggest placing each seedling in a raised bed with the root collar above ground level, taking care not to damage the roots and avoiding burying the root ball completely – it should be well moistened. Finally, water immediately after planting, preferably in the morning.

Propagation

Multiplication is by seed or apical cutting.

Watering

Watering can be carried out using rainwater or, alternatively, tap water with an optimal neutral pH, either manually or via an irrigation system. During the transplanting phase, maintain constant moisture levels whilst avoiding excessive watering, which can lead to the development of fungal diseases and subsequent root rot; thereafter, allow the soil or growing medium to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent the plant from drying out. It is also advisable not to water the above-ground part of the plant from above during the late afternoon or evening to prevent the spread of plant diseases.

Fertilising

During soil preparation, carry out background fertilisation by burying slow-release organic or chemical fertiliser. During the spring-summer period, following proper post-transplant settling, apply a balanced liquid fertiliser specifically for ornamental plants to the medium or soil, to be diluted in the irrigation water according to the appropriate doses and frequencies as indicated on the relevant information label.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Toxicity for humans

Toxicity unknown; avoid ingestion.

Tip

Impatiens ‘Raffael’ is very hardy and adapts well even to sunny spots; if anything, the edges of its leaves curl slightly inwards during the hottest part of the day, only to recover in the hours that follow. In shadier spots, on the other hand, it grows taller and slightly more slender, but it still flowers well even in very low light – albeit with fewer flowers – when other seasonal species would struggle or fail to flower at all.