About
Also commonly known as 'Busy Lizzie', 'Balsam', or simply 'Impatiens', this is a species of the genus Impatiens, native to eastern Africa from Kenya to Mozambique. It is a tender herbaceous perennial plant but mostly grown as annual bedding. It grows approximately 15–60 cm tall, with broad lanceolate leaves 3–12 cm long and 2–5 cm broad. Leaves are mostly alternate, although they may be opposite near the top of the plant. The changeable, simple leaves are stalked and 1.5 to 6 cm long, green and sometimes spotted, pinkish or reddish on the underside. It's a very floriferous plant with blooms 2–5 cm diameter, with five petals and a 1 cm spur. The leaves and stems are semi-succulent, and all parts of the plant (leaves, stems, flowers, roots) are rather soft and easily damaged. A very useful summer bedding plant for more shady locations in the garden that will also thrive in full sun if kept moist and well watered.
About the genus
Impatiens can be annuals or evergreen perennials, with fleshy stems bearing simple, toothed leaves and solitary or clustered, spurred, 5-petalled flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Full sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeBedding, Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Hanging basket, Houseplants, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Care notes
CultivationGrow on in warm frost free conditions. Acclimatise plants before planting outside in early summer. Pinching out when young will create a well balanced compact plant that is perfect for container cultivation. A useful bedding plant for any moist but well-drained soil in a sheltered, partially shaded site.
PruningPinch out growing tip when young for a well-balanced and well-branched plant. Careful and regular dead-heading can prolong the flowering display well into autumn.
PropagationPropagate by seed or softwood cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free. May be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse red spider mite and vine weevil
Disease resistanceCan be susceptible to downy mildew.