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 an 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. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Busy Lizzie is regular, moderate watering. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
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
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Busy Lizzie with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and subtropical climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Busy Lizzie
Plant Sale lists Busy Lizzie as seedlings and seed. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment we have it ready.
Prefer to grow it yourself? See the Busy Lizzie seed sowing guide for depth, timing and germination.