Oliver’s Touch-Me-Not: A Colorful Non-Native Addition to Hawaiian Gardens
If you’re looking for a splash of vibrant color in your shaded garden spaces, you might have come across Oliver’s touch-me-not (Impatiens sodenii). This eye-catching shrub has made its way from the mountains of East Africa to Hawaiian gardens, where it’s found a comfortable home in our tropical climate.
What is Oliver’s Touch-Me-Not?
Oliver’s touch-me-not is a perennial shrub that typically grows as a multi-stemmed woody plant, usually staying under 13-16 feet in height. You might also see it listed under its botanical synonym, Impatiens oliveri. This member of the touch-me-not family brings a distinctly tropical flair to any garden setting.
Where You’ll Find It Growing
Currently, Impatiens sodenii grows in Hawaii, where it’s established itself as a non-native species that reproduces naturally in the wild. Originally hailing from eastern Africa – specifically Kenya and Tanzania – this plant has adapted well to our island climate.
Why Gardeners Choose (or Don’t Choose) This Plant
There are several compelling reasons why you might consider Oliver’s touch-me-not for your garden:
- Stunning orange to red tubular flowers that bloom almost year-round
- Thrives in shaded areas where many flowering plants struggle
- Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies with its nectar-rich blooms
- Works well as an accent plant or border specimen
- Perfect for container gardening
However, it’s worth noting that as a non-native species, Oliver’s touch-me-not doesn’t provide the same ecological benefits as indigenous Hawaiian plants. If you’re focused on supporting native ecosystems, you might consider native alternatives that offer similar aesthetic appeal while better supporting local wildlife.
Perfect Garden Settings
This shrub shines in tropical and subtropical garden settings, particularly in:
- Shade gardens where you need reliable color
- Container gardens on lanais or patios
- Border plantings under larger trees
- Areas that need a tropical accent plant
Growing Conditions and Care
Oliver’s touch-me-not is relatively easy to grow if you meet its basic needs. It prefers partial to full shade – direct sunlight can actually stress this plant. The soil should be moist but well-draining, and protection from strong winds will keep your plant looking its best.
In terms of climate, this plant thrives in USDA hardiness zones 10-11, making it well-suited to Hawaii’s year-round warmth. It’s quite frost-sensitive, so if you’re in a cooler microclimate, container growing might be your best bet.
According to its wetland status classification, this plant usually occurs in non-wetland areas but can tolerate some wetland conditions – making it fairly adaptable to different moisture levels in your garden.
Planting and Care Tips
Getting the most out of your Oliver’s touch-me-not is straightforward:
- Plant in partial to full shade for best performance
- Water regularly but ensure good drainage to prevent root rot
- Prune occasionally to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth
- Protect from strong winds that can damage the somewhat brittle stems
- In cooler areas, consider container growing for easy protection
Wildlife and Pollinator Benefits
One of the most delightful aspects of Oliver’s touch-me-not is watching the hummingbirds and butterflies it attracts. The tubular flowers are perfectly designed for these pollinators, and the plant’s long blooming season means it provides a reliable nectar source throughout much of the year.
The Bottom Line
Oliver’s touch-me-not can be a beautiful addition to Hawaiian gardens, especially if you’re looking for reliable color in shaded areas and want to attract pollinators. While it’s not a native plant, it’s not considered invasive either, making it a neutral choice for gardeners who appreciate its ornamental value.
If you’re passionate about supporting native ecosystems, consider researching indigenous Hawaiian flowering shrubs that might provide similar aesthetic appeal while offering greater benefits to local wildlife. However, if you choose to grow Oliver’s touch-me-not, you’ll be rewarded with months of vibrant blooms and the joy of watching hummingbirds visit your garden.
