Impatiens omeiana ‘Ice Storm’

Mount Omei Balsam Balsaminaceae

A particularly handsome form of this remarkably hardy Chinese woodland Impatiens, ‘Ice Storm’ is grown as much for its extraordinary spring foliage as for its late flowers. New leaves emerge with a striking silvery, frosted or crackled appearance, as though someone has left the plant outside on a particularly enthusiastic May morning; the effect gradually softens to pale grey-green as the season progresses. Pale yellow, almost orchid-like flowers appear in September and October, providing colour remarkably late in the year. The species is endemic to Sichuan, China, and grows from a creeping rhizome, gradually forming a colony. 

Its introduction story is particularly good. Michael Wickenden of Cally Gardens introduced ‘Ice Storm’ to Britain from a Japanese nursery, initially circulating it for several years as simply ‘Impatiens from China’. The American plantsman Robbie Blackhall-Miles records the same introduction history, while Pacific Horticulture notes that he introduced the cultivar from England into the US. 

Best grown in partial to full shade in humus-rich, reliably moist but well-drained soil. It will tolerate more sun provided it never becomes dry, and the silvery colouring is particularly effective in spring. It is rhizomatous and can spread when given plenty of moisture, although in drier conditions it may remain a surprisingly tight clump. A superb plant for the shaded exotic garden — a little bit of frost on the foliage without requiring any actual frost.

Introduction: Introduced to Britain by Michael Wickenden of Cally Gardens from a Japanese nursery; originally circulated as Impatiens from China.
Distribution: I. omeiana is endemic to Sichuan, China.
Flowering: September–October
Hardiness: H4, approximately −10 to −5°C
Height: 50–60 cm
Spread: 30–50 cm