Impatiens | Busy Lizzies
Impatiens, often better known as Busy Lizzies in British gardens, are cheerful plants that brighten up beds, borders and containers from late spring through the summer. They have simple green foliage and produce a profusion of vibrant flowers in pink, purple, orange, red and white. They are reasonably easy to grow, making them a favourite in the garden and our ‘Plant of the Month’ pick for May.
View our collection of plantsImpatiens Varieties
You can find two main varieties at Hillier Garden Centres;
Impatiens Walleriana Busy Lizzie
Impatiens walleriana ‘Orange Star’
The classic form of Busy Lizzie, Impatiens walleriana plants are one of the most popular bedding plants grown in UK gardens. The mass of bright, flat flowers makes them a fantastic plant for beds, as groundcover under trees and shrubs or spilling brightly out of containers on a patio or windowsill. They typically grow best in a partially shaded spot. In 2019, we are introducing the Impatiens walleriana Imara® Series. This series is proven to be highly resistant to ‘downy mildew’, a disease that has historically affected these plants. Plants within this series are also excellent garden performers, reliably flowering all season long and resilient even in sunnier spots.
Flowering time: May to October (will survive until the first frost)
Sun Requirements: Partial shade or shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness: Not hardy
Size: Grows to 35cm height x 30cm spread
Impatiens hawkeri New Guinea Busy Lizzie
Impatiens hawkeri is a sun-loving variety that, as its common name suggests, is native to New Guinea and was discovered as recently as the 1970s. Much like Impatiens walleriana, they are low maintenance, compact plants that brighten up beds, borders and containers in a sunny spot. I. hawkeri plants benefit from larger, more showy flowers compared to their more elfin cousin and will grow a little bigger.
Flowering time: May to October (will survive until the first frost)
Sun Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness: Not hardy
Size: Grows to 45cm height x 25cm spread
Growing Guide
Growing these varieties is reasonably easy.
Planting
Plant after all risk of frost has passed in spring. Make sure you keep them well-watered before planting. They perform best in moist, well-drained soil so you may want to mix in a good multi-purpose compost when planting to help them thrive.
The closer together you plant impatiens, the faster and taller the plants will grow. You may choose to plant them close together to quickly form a large mound. Or, if you are looking for more individual low-growing plants for your beds, for example, leave 8 inches or more between each plant.
Deadheading
Impatiens are self-cleaning, so do not need to be deadheaded – they will bloom all season long of their own accord.
Watering
Water regularly, particularly during dry spells and be sure to water at the roots. The best time to water is either early in the morning or in the evening.
Planting Ideas
Impatiens are a classic choice as a bedding plant. They are also fantastic underplanting trees or shrubs. Equally, their vibrant colour brings cheerful life to pots and containers.
Impatiens Fact
The name ‘Impatiens’ originates from the Latin for impatience, because the ripe seed pods burst open forcibly when touched.
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