The go-to bedding plant for shade, smothering itself in flat flowers all the warm months in moist soil. Frost-tender and thirsty, it rewards regular water with non-stop colour.
At a glance
- Plant type: Annual
- Mature size: 30 cm H × 30 cm W
- Aspect: part shade or morning sun and shade and low-light positions
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Busy Lizzie
Botanically, Impatiens walleriana is a fast-growing annual in the Balsaminaceae family. It reaches around 30 cm tall and 30 cm wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Red, pink, orange, white and purple flowers appear for much of the year.
Where to grow Busy Lizzie
Busy Lizzie suits subtropical, tropical and warm-temperate climates and grows best in part shade or morning sun and shade and low-light positions. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot.
Soil & planting
Most soils suit Busy Lizzie provided drainage is reasonable. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Busy Lizzie does best with regular, moderate watering. Refresh mulch and provide a modest balanced feed at the start of spring. Check moisture below the mulch during establishment and water thoroughly when needed rather than following a rigid schedule.
Pruning & care
Prune Busy Lizzie after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Busy Lizzie in the garden
Busy Lizzie earns its place for pots and courtyard containers, hanging baskets and a feature or specimen planting. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
Combine Busy Lizzie with plants that share its preference for regular, moderate watering and subtropical climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Busy Lizzie
Plant Sale lists Busy Lizzie as seedlings and seed. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
Prefer to grow it yourself? See the Busy Lizzie seed sowing guide for depth, timing and germination.
