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Plant Profiles / Impatiens
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Impatiens
Impatiens walleriana; I. hawkeri (New Guinea) · Busy Lizzie, New Guinea impatiens
Cheerful flowering plants for shade, smothered in blooms from spring to autumn. New Guinea types have larger flowers and handle more sun.
Part to full shadeLight
Keep moistWater
EasyCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Part to full shade
ShadeFull sun
Morning sun only; New Guinea types tolerate more.
Water
Keep moist
DryWet
They wilt quickly when dry.
Humidity
Moderate
LowHigh
Likes humidity.
Temperature
10–30°C (50–86°F)
CoolWarm
Frost tender.
Growth
Fast, mounding
SlowFast
Grows 20–40 cm.
Soil
Rich potting mix
LeanRich
Moisture-retentive.
Fertiliser
Fortnightly
RarelyOften
Liquid fertiliser.
Pet safety
Non-toxic
SafeToxic
Non-toxic to pets.
About this plant
Busy Lizzies come from East Africa; New Guinea impatiens from Papua New Guinea. They brighten shaded balconies where most flowers fail.
Best spots
Shaded balconies, window boxes, hanging baskets and verandas.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Impatiens walleriana; I. hawkeri (New Guinea) |
| Family | Balsaminaceae |
| Origin | East Africa & New Guinea |
| Plant type | Annual or tender perennial |
| Mature size | 20–40 cm |
| Growth rate | Fast |
| Flowers | Many colours |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets |
| Propagation | Cuttings or seed |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Plant
Flowering
Fertilise
PlantFloweringFertilise
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Wilting | Dry soil. |
| Leaf drop | Downy mildew; choose resistant types. |
| Leggy | Too much shade. |
| Few flowers | Too dark. |
| Scorched leaves | Too much sun. |
Common questions
Do they grow in shade?
Yes.
Busy Lizzie or New Guinea?
New Guinea for more sun and bigger flowers.
Pet safe?
Yes.
Perennial?
Short-lived.
