Home > How to Care for Your Busy Lizzies

Our Care Guide

Busy Lizzies are frost tender and should not be planted out in the garden until the risk of frost has gone.  If you are potting on plug plants or making your basket & patio containers early, and they contain busy lizzies, ensure you are able to protect from frost.

Impatiens has become the most popular bedding plant by millions over the second most popular bedding plant, the petunia.  They have earned the position of being the most dependable summer annual - their success reflects their ability to be used in so many different ways.

SOIL CONDIDITONS

All impatiens prefer will drained soil which isn't too fertile - too much nitrogen fertilizer will cause plants to produce leafy foliage but few flowers.

LIGHT

Impatiens are known for their shade tolerance but they do need good light levels to bloom well - ideal light conditions are early morning sun and then afternoon shade. 

TEMPERATURE

All impatiens are frost tender so do not rush to put them out too early in spring.

Feed

From June to September feed weekly with liquid plant food to ensure a vibrant Summer dispaly. We recommend Tomorite as your choice of feed for outstanding results.

PEST PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS

Generally impatiens are trouble-free for patio and container gardening and garden borders, however, the normal garden pests need to be kept in check ie spider mite, thrips, mealybugs and aphids. This can be done by using a recommended proprietary brand of insecticide.

NOT BLOOMING

Impatiens drop buds in response to either drying out or as a result of the roots becoming water saturated for a brief time. They also dislike heavy soils with poor air porosity (bad drainage)

HOUSE PLANT CARE

Try to avoid disturbing pot grown plants, as changes in conditions   by moving them from place to place may cause bud drop.  This may also be due to the fact that the air temperature around them is too dry.  If grown as a house plant,  try misting the leaves in the morning but not in the evening.

If you follow this guide and pop your impatiens on a bright windowsill they should continue to flower through the winter