Pink or Maroon-coloured Balsam

Ruffled pink/maroon blooms stacked close along an upright stem. Easy, generous, and in flower for 2 to 3 months.

Known as 凤仙花 or 指甲花, the nail flower - crushed petals were traditionally bound to the fingernails overnight to stain them a soft-coral pink, long before nail polish existed. A practice that runs from Tang dynasty China through Korea, where it's still done each summer, and is said to bring your love true if the colour lasts until first snow. The leaves have a history of external folk use too, mashed and applied to the skin.

Morning sun, water daily, pinch the tips early for a bushier plant.

Let a few seed pods burst where they land and you'll have seedlings next season without lifting a finger - which is how this plant has travelled from garden to garden for generations.

Photo is illustrative. Plant will not grow so tall and may not have as many blooms. You will receive a 15-20cm tall plant in a 10cm diameter pot. Buy 2 and we will grow them in a 16cm width pot. Or come for a customised workshop curated for you or our living classroom programme to get hands-on guidance and practical knowledge.