Impatiens walleriana: Busy Lizzie with Colorful Flat Flowers for Shade

Impatiens walleriana (busy Lizzie) is a subshrubby perennial with light green to red-flushed stems and slightly toothed, scalloped leaves. Showy flat flowers bloom in white or shades of orange, pink, red, purple, violet, lavender-blue, and bicolors.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Usually grown as an annual. Can self-seed invasively in the South.

Care

Best in partial shade and moist, well-draining loam. Add composted organic matter for optimal performance. Shelter from wind. Free-flowering and grows well in shade.

Propagation

Sow seed in early spring.

Problems

Spider mites, flower thrips, root knot nematode, whiteflies, aphids (especially under glass). Caterpillars outdoors. Gray mold, impatiens necrotic spot virus, fungal leaf spots, Rhizoctonia stem rot, Pseudomonas leaf spot, Verticillium wilt.

Overview

• Height: 1–3 ft.
• Spread: 1–3 ft.
• Growth Pace: Invasive/Aggressive Grower
• Light: Part Shade to Full Shade
• Moisture: Medium Moisture
• Characteristics: Self Seeds, Showy Flowers
• Bloom Time: Fall, Summer
• Flower Color: Blue, Salmon, Pink, Purple, Red, White
• Uses: Beds and Borders, Container, Indoor Plant
• Seasonal Interest: Summer Interest
• Type: Perennials