Flower Identify

summer · Posted: Fri Aug 07, 2015 2:48 pm Post subject: Flower Identify

Hi Guys, i would like to know the Name of this Flower that's growing in my Garden (see pics). Maybe somebody here may know. Many Thanks.

Greengage · Posted: Fri Aug 07, 2015 8:21 pm Post subject:

Impatiens glandulifera, Himalyan Balsam.
Now Ill wait to see what others think of this plant before I offer my two pence worth...

Silver surfer · Posted: Fri Aug 07, 2015 9:20 pm Post subject:

Good guy · Posted: Sat Aug 08, 2015 6:42 am Post subject:

It's a beguiling flower, does well in open shade.
And it's a bloody PEST, once it sets seed (explosively) you will never be without it.
It is a serious 'alien invasive' species and has the potential to cause devastating damage to the banks of water courses. It out-competes the native vegetation and when it dies back in winter there is nothing there to hold the banks together in the winter floods.
It pulls up easily and composts well! But get it before it sets seed.

Oops! I've just seen Silver Surfer's post and bow to her superior knowledge and observational acuity! But I meant everything I wrote about Himalayan Balsam and now is when people will notice it.

summer · Posted: Tue Aug 11, 2015 5:01 pm Post subject:

Hi Guys many thanks for the reply's, yea its a Clarkia sowed it from seed had forgotten the name. thanks again.

Sue Deacon · Posted: Tue Aug 11, 2015 7:01 pm Post subject:

The flower is familiar as a Clarkia. But it looks some humdinger of a plant! How big is it?

Himalayan Balsam is more snapdragon(y) in shape. It lines the Lyme Brook near where I used to live. Once seen never forgotten.

My new garden has Himalayan Birch and Primrose but it won't be home to the Balsam!!! Laughing

summer · Posted: Tue Aug 11, 2015 8:49 pm Post subject:

Hi Sue, yes its big enough H3ft 6in W1ft 6in, its my first time to have it, i like the flowers, but maybe it will be a pest eventually.