Impatiens (Impatiens walleriana): The Shade Garden Workhorse

Impatiens, or busy Lizzie, is the quintessential shade annual, smothering itself in flat, five-petaled flowers in white, pink, red, orange, purple, and bicolors from spring to frost. Native to East Africa, Impatiens walleriana forms a neat, mounding carpet of succulent stems and light green leaves.

Growing Success

Partial to full shade, rich, moist, well-drained soil. Consistent moisture is key—it wilts dramatically but recovers. Fertilize regularly. Downy mildew has been a major issue; choose resistant varieties (like 'Beacon' or 'Imara') or use New Guinea impatiens (I. hawkeri) which are resistant.

Uses and Varieties

Mass in beds, borders, containers, window boxes. Double-flowered and variegated-leaf forms exist. It self-sows in warm climates. Essential for instant color in shade.

Taxonomic Details