Impatiens walleriana

Busy Lizzie

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Taxonomy

Common Names

Busy LizzieBusy LizzyPatience plantImpatiens

Context

nativeRegion

Eastern Africa (East Africa: Kenya, Mozambique, Tanzania).

usdaZones

Annual in all zones; perennial in zones 10–11.

companionPlants

Coleus, Begonia, Ferns, Caladium

culturalUses

Widely used as bedding, container, or shade garden ornamental for its bright flowers; not commonly used for medicinal or culinary purposes.

Care

LightPrefers bright, indirect light; tolerates partial to full shade.

WateringKeep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged; water when the top inch of soil feels dry.

SoilRich, well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0–7.0).

FertilizerFeed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2–3 weeks during the growing season.

HumidityPrefers moderate to high humidity; avoid dry air.

TemperatureThrives at 65–75°F (18–24°C); sensitive to frost.

HabitCompact, bushy annual or short-lived perennial; herbaceous and succulent-stemmed.

Mature Size6–24 inches (15–60 cm) tall and wide, depending on cultivar.

Growth RateFast-growing, especially in warm temperatures.

BloomingProduces colorful flowers continuously from late spring to frost.

DormancyNo true dormancy; sometimes grown as a perennial in frost-free climates.

MethodsSeed, Stem cuttings

DifficultyEasy; both seeds and cuttings root readily.

Best SeasonSpring to early summer.

PruningPinch back stems to encourage bushiness and remove faded flowers.

RepottingRepot annuals only if root-bound; perennials every 1–2 years.

Pests & DiseasesSusceptible to aphids, spider mites, and downy mildew; good air circulation helps prevent disease.

ToxicityNon-toxic to people and pets.

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