Every Irish gardener has that shady corner where nothing seems to flower. The spot behind the wall, under the tree, the north facing side of the house. Balsamina a Fior di Camelia is one of the very few annual flowers that actually thrives there. While most summer flowers demand full sun, this old-fashioned beauty prefers the shelter and cooler conditions that Irish gardens have in abundance.
The full, rounded double blooms look like miniature camellias in soft pinks, reds, whites and purples. They appear continuously from June to September, bringing colour to pots, borders and quiet corners where other flowers would give up. At 40 to 50 cm tall, Balsamina is compact enough for containers on a shaded patio or beside a doorway.
🌱 Sowing: April to June
☀️ Light: Partial shade to light sun
🌡️ Germination: 10 to 14 days
📏 Height: 40 to 50 cm
🌸 Flowering: June to September
🌿 Growing tips for Ireland Sow indoors from April in a warm spot. Balsamina needs warmth to germinate, so a windowsill or propagator is best. Transplant outdoors from late May once frost risk has passed.
Choose a sheltered position in partial shade or dappled light. This is not a flower that wants to bake in full sun. In Irish gardens it performs beautifully in the spots most other flowers refuse to grow: beside north facing walls, under deciduous trees, or in the lee of hedges. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. No staking needed as the stems are sturdy and self-supporting.
🏺 Part of the Vintage 1928 Range Selected from the Vintage 1928 collection by Franchi Sementi, Italy’s oldest seed house (Est. 1783). Winner of Best Retail Product 2025. Quality and heritage you can trust, grown in Irish gardens.
🇮🇪 BloomySeeds is the Irish stockist of Franchi Sementi seed. Every packet is genuine, traceable and DAFM registered. Free delivery across Ireland on orders over €40.
