Busy lizzy (Impatiens walleriana)
Busy lizzy (Impatiens walleriana) offers non-stop color in deep shade. This low-maintenance annual thrives in moist soil.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Few bedding plants rival the sheer dependability of Impatiens walleriana for continuous, vibrant color in dim garden locations. Commonly recognized by gardeners as Busy lizzy, this species provides an unmatched display of flowers from early summer until the first hard frost claims the foliage. It is a bushy, succulent-stemmed plant that naturally forms a spreading mound, making it an incredibly versatile choice for shady landscapes.
As the most popular annual bedding plant in the U.S., Impatiens walleriana is favored for its prolific flowering habit and minimal care requirements. It thrives specifically where sun-loving annuals struggle, delivering rich shades of pink, red, purple, and white across the season. Gardeners appreciate that this charming plant asks for little more than consistent moisture to perform spectacularly.
Whether used for mass plantings, edging, or brightly filling containers, the lush green foliage and explosion of color make Busy lizzy indispensable for brightening dark corners. Though tender below Zone 10, its ease of sourcing in spring flats solidifies its reputation as a reliable short-term annual solution.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Balsaminaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Native Range: Tanzania, Mozambique
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 10-11
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 0.5-2 ft
- Spread: 0.5-2 ft
- Bloom Time: June to frost
- Bloom Description: Pink, rose, red, lilac, purple, orange, white & bicolors
- Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
The key to successful Impatiens walleriana culture is providing the right environment: evenly moist, organically rich, well-drained soils located in part shade to full shade. For gardeners utilizing these plants as bedding annuals, purchase healthy cell packs from retail outlets in the spring once all danger of frost has passed, and set the young plants out immediately. Pinching back the stems of young Busy lizzy plants encourages bushier, more compact growth rather than leggy stems.
Watering needs for this genus are medium; allow the soil to remain consistently moist but never soggy, as excessive moisture paired with low light can lead to rot issues. Because Impatiens walleriana are heavy feeders during their flowering season, routine, balanced fertilization will promote the non-stop bloom cycle gardeners expect. In their tropical native range (USDA Zones 10-11), they are grown as perennials, but most US gardeners should plan to let them die off with the fall frost.
For those gardeners growing unique or treasured varieties, overwintering is possible by potting up the plant in late summer or taking cuttings in the late summer. Overwintered plants require bright indoor light (avoiding direct, harsh sun) and significantly reduced watering during their winter rest period. The willingness of Busy lizzy to adapt to container life makes preparation for indoor storage relatively straightforward.
Landscape Uses
Impatiens walleriana excels anywhere consistent, bright color is needed beneath a canopy of trees or on the north side of structures. They are ideal for creating broad swathes of continuous color, functioning perfectly as mass plantings in woodland gardens where deeper color is required. Their spreading mound habit also makes them excellent edging plants along shaded walks or paths, softening hard lines.
Beyond traditional garden beds, Busy lizzy reigns supreme in container designs. They perform beautifully as spiller elements in hanging baskets or as primary fillers in mixed window boxes, contrasting nicely with foliage plants that tolerate similar low-light conditions, such as ferns or hostas. For a truly striking effect, mass a single color of Impatiens walleriana beneath large deciduous trees for the entire growing season.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Impatiens walleriana, commonly called impatiens or bizzy Lizzy, is the most popular annual bedding plant in the U.S. Today. For easy-to-grow, non-stop flowering in shady conditions, it has no equal. Showy, slender-spurred, five-petaled flowers typically cover the plants with colorful bloom from spring to frost, creating blankets of intense color.
Tolerances
- Heavy Shade
Potential Problems
Impatiens walleriana generally remains free from serious insect or disease issues when properly sited and cared for. The most commonly recommended watch item for gardeners is slugs, especially during wet springs when new tender growth emerges. If slugs become problematic, apply appropriate baits or organic controls early in the season. Overwatering or poorly draining soil is a far more common issue than pests, often leading to stem rot rather than insect damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Busy lizzy suitable for?
Impatiens walleriana is reliably winter hardy only in USDA Zones 10 and 11. In most temperate regions, gardeners treat Busy lizzy as a seasonal annual.
How large does Busy lizzy grow?
This plant typically reaches a height and spread ranging between 0.5 and 2 feet tall, forming a dense, spreading cluster of color.
What sun exposure does Impatiens walleriana need?
This plant prefers part shade to full shade conditions, thriving in locations where it is protected from direct, intense afternoon sunlight.
When does Impatiens walleriana bloom?
Busy lizzy produces blooms reliably from June until killed by frost, showcasing colors including pink, rose, red, lilac, purple, orange, white & bicolors.
Conclusion
For reliable, non-stop vibrant color in the deepest parts of the garden, few plants can outperform the stunning display offered by Impatiens walleriana. Its low maintenance and exceptional flowering grace make Busy lizzy a must-have for shady spots both in the ground and in containers. Ensure your growing environment provides adequate shade and consistent moisture, and these beauties will reward you all season long.
Companion Planting Schemes
When integrating Impatiens walleriana into landscape designs, pair it with other shade-loving annuals or perennials that share its requirement for medium moisture. Consider pairing the bright blooms of Busy lizzy with hostas, complementing their varied foliage textures and colors beneath the same tree canopy. Coleus varieties, which prioritize leaf color over flowers, make excellent companions, maintaining visual interest throughout the summer when planted alongside the flower-dense Impatiens. Tuberous begonias are another excellent shading partner, offering different bloom shapes while maintaining similar soil and light needs.
Seasonal Care Calendar Tips
For annual use, the primary seasonal focus is planting right after the last frost date and maintaining even moisture throughout the summer heat. If you are caring for potted Impatiens walleriana intended for overwintering indoors, drastically reduce watering once temperatures cool in fall; they enter a semi-dormant state and do not require the heavy moisture they demand while actively growing outside. In early spring, as you prepare garden beds, amend the soil heavily with organic matter, which greatly benefits the soil structure favored by this plant family. If keeping overwintered stock, slowly introduce brighter light and gradually increase hydration before hardening them off outside in late spring.
