Search

The busy lizzy (Impatiens walleriana) is an easy-to-care for garden flower that blooms from spring to fall. With bright colours in shades of rose, lavender, salmon, white, and red. Its thick lush foliage grows well in shaded locations and will brighten up any corner of your garden. Buds begin to form within weeks of planting, making busy lizzy a great way to bring instant colour to a dull or dimly lit area. Often times, the blossoms can appear just weeks after planting, and will keep blooming until the frost arrives. Busy lizzies are great for adding colour to window boxes...

Read More

Plant Care Essentials:

Light Requirements: part sun/part shade
Water Scheduling: Average
Growth Rate: High
Maintainence: Low

Plant Profile:

  • Scientific Name: Impatiens walleriana
  • Size: 0.50 to 2.00 feet
  • Plant Family: Balsaminaceae
  • Care: Medium
  • Poisonous To Humans: No
  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Light Requirements: part sun/part shade
  • Pruning Month: May
  • Fruits: Yes
  • Tropical: No
  • Indoor: Yes
  • Flower Color: Pink, rose, red, lilac, purple, orange, white & bicolors
  • Plant Origin: Tanzania
  • Growth Rate: High
  • Poisonous To Pets: No
  • Edible Fruit: Yes

Care Instructions:

Impatiens walleriana, commonly known as Busy Lizzy, is a popular flowering plant known for its vibrant, colorful blooms and lush foliage. This versatile plant is perfect for brightening up shaded garden areas, hanging baskets, and containers. It is easy to grow and provides continuous color throughout the growing season, making it a favorite among gardeners. Busy Lizzy is available in a wide range of colors, including red, pink, white, purple, and orange.

Light

Busy Lizzy thrives in partial shade to full shade. While it can tolerate some morning sun, it prefers cooler, shaded areas where it can avoid the harsh afternoon sun. In full shade, it will produce the most abundant and vibrant flowers.

Water

Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Busy Lizzy prefers evenly moist soil, so water regularly, especially during dry periods. However, avoid letting the plant sit in water, as this can lead to root rot.

Soil

Impatiens walleriana prefers well-draining, fertile soil. A soil rich in organic matter, such as compost, will provide the nutrients necessary for healthy growth and vibrant blooms. Ensure the soil drains well to prevent water accumulation around the roots.

Temperature

The ideal temperature range for Busy Lizzy is between 60°F and 75°F (16°C to 24°C). It is sensitive to cold and should be protected from temperatures below 50°F (10°C). Frost will damage the plant, so it is best grown as an annual in cooler climates.

Humidity

Busy Lizzy thrives in moderate to high humidity. In dry climates, increasing humidity around the plant can help maintain healthy foliage and abundant flowering. Consider misting the plant or using a humidity tray if grown indoors.

Fertilizer

Feed your Busy Lizzy with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 2-4 weeks during the growing season. Fertilizing regularly promotes lush foliage and continuous blooming. Reduce feeding during the fall and winter when the plant’s growth slows.

Best Placement Ideas

  • Garden Beds: Ideal for shaded garden beds where it can provide continuous color throughout the season.
  • Hanging Baskets: Perfect for hanging baskets where its trailing habit and vibrant flowers can be showcased.
  • Containers: Suitable for container gardening on shaded patios or balconies.

Common Issues

Pests: Busy Lizzy can attract pests such as aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Regularly inspect the plant and treat any infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Diseases: Overwatering or poor air circulation can lead to fungal diseases such as downy mildew. Ensure proper watering practices and maintain good air circulation to prevent these problems.

Things to Watch Out For

Monitor for signs of wilting or yellowing leaves, which may indicate watering issues or pest infestations. Adjust care practices as needed to keep the plant healthy and vibrant.

Propagation Tips

Propagation Method: Busy Lizzy can be easily propagated through stem cuttings. Take a cutting with several leaves, remove the lower leaves, and place it in water or moist soil until roots develop.

Best Time to Propagate: The best time to propagate is during the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Maintenance Tips

Pruning: Regularly pinch back the stems to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Pruning also helps maintain the plant’s shape and prevents it from becoming too leggy.

Repotting: If grown in containers, repot every 1-2 years to refresh the soil and provide more space for root growth. Use fresh, well-draining soil and a container with adequate drainage holes.

Did You Know?

Impatiens Walleriana, commonly known as Busy Lizzy, is a popular flowering plant known for its vibrant, colorful blooms that come in shades of pink, red, white, and purple. It thrives in partial shade to full sun and prefers well-drained soil. Ideal for garden beds, borders, and containers, this plant provides continuous color throughout the growing season and is perfect for brightening up shady areas.

Copied to clipboard!

This property is mostly wooded and sits high on a hilltop overlooking the Mohawk River Valley. Located right in the heart of Upstate NYs Amish farm CountryThis property is mostly wooded and sits high on a hilltop overlooking the Mohawk River Valley. Located right in the heart of Upstate NYs Amish farm Country

Care Guides

The Families Of Succulents

When referring to succulents many people speak rather of ‘cacti’ and include in that name the other groups – if, i...

Sep 16, 2011

Bulbs in Containers

Patios are now very popular features in many gardens and they will be enhanced by tubs and other ornamental containers f...

Sep 17, 2011

How To Take Cuttings From Flowers

Some flowers, such as lupins, delphiniums and chrysanthemums, are best propagated from cuttings of new shoots. In early ...

Sep 17, 2011
Scroll to Top