HEIRLOOM. Discovered in southeast Asia, balsam was a favorite old- fashioned flower by 1900. (Today's impatiens, a shade-loving hybrid of African species, was virtually unknown in gardens until after World War II.) Balsam is best in full sun to half shade. It sprouts in only 4-5 days and flowers early, getting 12-24" tall. The narrow plants hold their blooms close to the central stem. Victorian gardeners removed some leaves to better display the flowers.
Perfection Pink. Camelia-shaped blooms 2" across in bright pink.