Busy Lizzie (Impatiens walleriana)

Busy Lizzie

Impatiens walleriana

Bright, continuous blooms paint borders with cheerful color. Compact flowering annual; common name: busy lizzie.

Partial sun
2–3/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Bright indirect to partial direct sun; avoid intense midday summer sun which can scorch leaves
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Watering Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid letting roots sit in standing water
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Temperature Thrives in 15–24°C; protect from temperatures below 10°C which can cause leaf drop
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Oval to lanceolate, bright green, serrated margins, 3–8 cm long
  • Flower: 2–5 cm wide, flat-faced, in shades of pink, red, white, purple, or bicolor
  • Stem: Succulent, tender, green to reddish-green, brittle when mature
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist; water when top 1 cm of soil feels dry

Fertilization

Diluted balanced feed every 2 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing which can reduce bloom production and cause leggy growth

Banana peel compost tea:Compost banana peels for 2–3 weeks, steep in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 for root drench to support continuous flowering
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering
  • Pinch back leggy stems in mid-summer to maintain compact, bushy shape
  • Remove yellowing or damaged leaves to improve airflow and overall appearance
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no reported toxicity

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: Symbolizes cheerfulness and lively energy; popular for low-maintenance container gardens

Usage: Ornamental for shaded garden borders, hanging baskets, and indoor windowsill displays