How to Grow and Care for a Busy Lizzie Plant

The Busy Lizzie, or Impatiens walleriana, is a flowering plant native to eastern Africa, appreciated for its brilliant and steady blooms. Grown as an annual in most climates, its continuous flowering from spring until the first frost provides long-lasting color in shades of red, pink, purple, and white. These plants are a favorite for containers and garden beds due to their adaptable nature.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Light

Busy Lizzies perform best with bright, indirect sunlight or in partial shade. Direct, intense sunlight can scorch the delicate leaves and flowers, while deep shade results in leggy growth and fewer flowers. An ideal location might be under a tree canopy or on a porch that receives gentle morning sun and is shaded during the hotter afternoon hours.

Water

Consistent moisture is necessary for Impatiens walleriana. The soil should be kept evenly moist but never waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot. A reliable method is to water when the top inch of soil feels dry. These plants are known for wilting when thirsty but tend to recover quickly once they receive water.

Soil

Busy Lizzies thrive in a well-draining, humus-rich potting mix. An all-purpose potting soil amended with organic matter like compost provides a good foundation. For plants in garden beds, incorporating compost or a soil conditioner can improve the soil structure and nutrient content.

Temperature and Humidity

These plants prosper in average household temperatures and are not demanding about humidity. They are extremely sensitive to cold and will not tolerate frost. Plant them outside only after all risk of frost has passed, and bring potted specimens indoors before the first frost to extend their life.

Fertilizer

To support their prolific blooming, Busy Lizzies benefit from regular feeding during the spring and summer. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formula, diluted to half-strength should be applied every few weeks. Over-fertilizing can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.

Pruning for Fuller Growth

Pruning, or “pinching back,” encourages a Busy Lizzie to develop a bushier, more compact form with more blooms. By removing the top growth, the plant is stimulated to produce more side shoots. This is particularly effective when plants are young to establish a good structure.

To pinch back the plant, use your fingertips or clean shears to snip the tips of the main stems just above a leaf node. Throughout the growing season, you can also deadhead, or remove faded flowers, to prompt new blooms. If a plant becomes leggy, cutting it back more significantly can rejuvenate it for a fuller second flush of growth.

Common Pests and Diseases

Busy Lizzies can be susceptible to aphids and spider mites, which can be managed by wiping leaves with a damp cloth or using an insecticidal soap. Good air circulation can also help deter these pests.

A more significant concern is impatiens downy mildew, caused by Plasmopara obducens. Symptoms include yellowing leaves that drop, stunted growth, and white, fuzzy growth on the undersides of leaves. Since the disease thrives in cool, wet conditions, prevention is the best approach as there is no cure for home gardeners.

To prevent downy mildew, purchase disease-resistant varieties and ensure good air circulation by spacing plants properly. Avoid overhead watering to keep foliage dry. If you spot signs of the disease, remove and dispose of the affected plants immediately to prevent it from spreading.