Balfour’s Touch-Me-Not: A Beautiful but Problematic Garden Guest
Meet Balfour’s touch-me-not (Impatiens balfourii), a charming little flower that’s as pretty as it is problematic. This delicate-looking perennial might catch your eye with its lovely pink to purple blooms, but there’s more to this plant than meets the eye. Before you fall head over heels for its beauty, let’s dive into what makes this Himalayan native both appealing and concerning for North American gardens.
What Is Balfour’s Touch-Me-Not?
Balfour’s touch-me-not is a herbaceous perennial that belongs to the same family as the more familiar garden impatiens. Originally from the Himalayas, including regions of Kashmir, northern India, and Pakistan, this plant has made its way into North American gardens and, unfortunately, into our wild spaces too.
As a forb (that’s garden-speak for a non-woody flowering plant), it produces attractive pink to purple flowers from summer through fall. The plant gets its touch-me-not nickname from its explosive seed pods – give them a gentle touch when ripe, and they’ll burst open, flinging seeds in all directions!
Where You’ll Find It Growing
In North America, Balfour’s touch-me-not has established populations in California, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin. What started as an ornamental garden plant has proven quite the escape artist, reproducing on its own in the wild without any help from gardeners.
The Invasive Reality Check
Here’s where we need to have a serious conversation. While Balfour’s touch-me-not might look innocent enough, it’s classified as a restricted invasive species in Wisconsin. This means it has the potential to cause ecological harm by outcompeting native plants and disrupting local ecosystems.
The plant’s ability to self-seed prolifically and its explosive seed dispersal mechanism make it particularly good at spreading beyond garden boundaries. Once established, it can form dense colonies that crowd out native wildflowers and understory plants that local wildlife depends on.
Growing Conditions and Care
If you’re in an area where it’s not restricted and you’re considering growing it (though we’d recommend thinking twice), here’s what Balfour’s touch-me-not prefers:
- Light: Partial to full shade
- Soil: Moist, well-draining soil
- Temperature: Cool conditions; typically grown as an annual in most climates
- Hardiness: May overwinter in USDA zones 9-10, but usually treated as annual elsewhere
- Water: Consistent moisture is key
The plant is relatively easy to grow and requires minimal care once established. However, this ease of cultivation is precisely what makes it problematic – it’s just too good at thriving and spreading!
Pollinator Appeal
On the positive side, the nectar-rich flowers do attract bees and other pollinators. The pink to purple blooms provide a food source during their extended blooming period from summer into fall.
Our Recommendation: Think Native Instead
While Balfour’s touch-me-not has its charms, we strongly encourage gardeners to choose native alternatives that provide similar benefits without the ecological risks. Consider these native options for shady spots:
- Wild ginger (Asarum canadense): Beautiful heart-shaped leaves for deep shade
- Wild columbine (Aquilegia canadensis): Delicate flowers beloved by hummingbirds
- Coral bells (Heuchera species): Attractive foliage and delicate flower spikes
- Native impatiens (Impatiens capensis): Our own touch-me-not with orange flowers
The Bottom Line
Balfour’s touch-me-not may be beautiful, but beauty isn’t everything in the garden. With its invasive tendencies and restricted status in some areas, this is one plant we’d recommend admiring from afar rather than inviting into your garden. Your local native plants and wildlife will thank you for choosing indigenous alternatives that support your regional ecosystem while still providing the shade-garden appeal you’re looking for.
Remember, the best gardens are those that work in harmony with nature, not against it. Choose plants that belong in your area, and you’ll create a landscape that’s not only beautiful but also beneficial for generations to come.
