Impatiens Care Guide: Grow Busy Lizzies in Shade or Pots

Not many plants have endured the long popularity of Impatiens, however with new larger flowering varieties being released by these plants are undergoing a resurgence amongst younger gardeners.

Grown for the ease of care, long flowering nature and good foliage, Impatiens have never really gone out of style with gardeners,

A few years ago Impatiens were seen as a little old fashioned, the most common form was it commonly called ‘Busy Lizzie’.

Times change, and these colorful, easy care plants are now back in fashion. New varieties, some that are more disease resistant, are on the market and the older types are also making a big comeback.

With masses of attractive flowers, Impatiens plants and species are again a popular plant for hanging baskets and containers, they love dappled shade and make an excellent plant for a patio.

Content

How To Grow Impatiens – Basic Care

Impatiens are a tender perennial that require a shady position to do its best. They are often grown in pots or baskets and are popular for the flowers which seem to last forever. Keep plants well watered, they do not like to dry out.

1 Location: Choose a spot with light shade or morning sun and afternoon shade.
2 Soil: Use humus-rich, moist, but well-drained soil.
3 Soil Prep: Add compost and well-rotted manure before planting.
4 Spacing: Plant 20cm apart for compact growth, or 10cm apart for a taller effect.
5 Mulch: Mulch around the base to retain soil moisture.
6 Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during hot weather.
7 Flowering: Blooms from spring through late summer, and even longer in warm climates.
8 Containers: Ideal for pots, hanging baskets, and shady verandahs.
9 Growth Habit: Forms bushy plants with deep green foliage and good internodal spacing.
10 Pest & Disease Watch: Look out for downy mildew and aphids; newer varieties have better resistance.

Flowering period is long, from spring right through until the end of summer, longer in warmer climates.

With attractive deep green foliage they have a good internode structure and form nice bushy plants. Excellent in a warm position they do make a good plant for patios, sheltered verandahs as well as in the right position in the garden.

Common Problems

Downey Mildew – Yellowing leaves followed by white growth underneath. Remove affected plants. New Guinea types show better resistance.
Aphids – Treat with a standard rose aphid spray or pyrethrum if infestation occurs.

Species and Varieties include :

I. walleriana is widely used. Also known as ‘Busy Lizzie’ it flowers almost year round in warmer climates.
I. glandulifera or ‘Himalayan Balsam’ is more unusual. Also known as the ‘Policeman’s Helmet’ it does tend to spread a little to easily for our liking.
I. niamniamensis is rare in Australia. It is a tropical species, very colorful with red and yellow flowers.
Impatiens x hawkeri or New Guinea Impatiens is used widely for hybridising and is becoming more popular as new varieties are released.
Impatiens sodenii – Tall growing shub like species to around 2m. (seldom offered)

We are Asked

Do Impatiens grow in full sun?

Not well. They prefer light shade or morning sun with afternoon protection. Too much sun can cause wilting or leaf scorch.

Can Impatiens survive winter?

Only in frost-free climates. They are tender perennials but often grown as annuals in colder zones. Bring pots indoors or replant each year.

How often should I water Impatiens?

Keep the soil evenly moist—not soggy, not dry. Daily watering may be needed in summer or for container-grown plants.

What’s the difference between New Guinea Impatiens and Busy Lizzies?

New Guinea Impatiens are larger, more sun-tolerant, and mildew-resistant. Busy Lizzies (I. walleriana) have smaller flowers but bloom more freely in shade.