Guide to Growing Busy Lizzies (Impatiens) in the UK

Busy Lizzies – also known as Impatiens - are one of the UK’s most reliable, colourful and easy-going bedding plants. Loved for their long flowering season, shade tolerance and low-maintenance nature, they’re a staple in British gardens, patios and window boxes.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to grow Busy Lizzies successfully in the UK, including the best varieties, planting tips, aftercare advice, and answers to the most common questions gardeners ask.

What Are Busy Lizzies?

Busy Lizzie is the common name for Impatiens walleriana and related species. They’re tender perennials, usually grown as annual bedding plants in the UK due to their sensitivity to frost.

They’re best known for:

• Bright, non-stop summer flowers

• Thriving in shade or partial shade

• Compact, bushy growth

• Excellent performance in pots, hanging baskets and borders

Best Busy Lizzie Varieties for UK Gardens

Choosing the right variety makes all the difference, especially with the UK’s variable weather.

1. Impatiens walleriana (Classic Busy Lizzie)

Best for: Shaded borders, containers, window boxes
Height: 20–30cm

• Traditional variety found in most garden centres

• Huge colour range: red, pink, white, orange, purple

• Ideal for sheltered gardens

2. New Guinea Impatiens (Impatiens hawkeri)

Best for: Sunny patios, larger pots
Height: 30–45cm

• Larger flowers and glossier foliage

• More tolerant of sun than standard Busy Lizzies

• Excellent disease resistance

3. SunPatiens

Best for: Full sun to partial shade
Height: Up to 60cm

• Hybrid variety bred for UK summers

• Handles heat, rain and sun far better

• Great choice for exposed gardens

4. Double Busy Lizzies

Best for: Decorative containers
Height: 25–30cm

• Rose-like, double blooms

• Slightly more sheltered conditions needed

• Perfect for statement pots

When to Plant Busy Lizzies in the UK

Timing is key.

• Sow seeds indoors: February to March

• Plant out young plants: Late May to early June

• Only plant outside once all risk of frost has passed

Busy Lizzies hate cold soil, so patience pays off.

Where to Grow Busy Lizzies

Light Requirements

• Best in partial shade or bright indirect light

• Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal

• New Guinea varieties tolerate more sun

Soil Conditions

• Moist but well-draining soil

• Enrich with compost or well-rotted manure

• Avoid waterlogged areas

How to Plant Busy Lizzies

1. Prepare soil with compost

2. Space plants 20–30cm apart

3. Plant at the same depth as the pot

4. Water thoroughly after planting

5. Mulch lightly to retain moisture

They establish quickly if kept consistently moist.

Watering & Feeding Tips

Busy Lizzies are thirsty plants.

• Water regularly, especially in dry spells

• Containers may need daily watering in summer

• Feed every 10–14 days with a liquid flowering feed

Avoid letting pots dry out completely – they’ll sulk fast.

Deadheading & Maintenance

Good news: Busy Lizzies are largely self-cleaning.

• No need for constant deadheading

• Pinch back leggy growth to keep plants bushy

• Remove any diseased or damaged foliage promptly

Common Problems & How to Avoid Them

Downy Mildew

• Affects traditional Impatiens walleriana

• Causes leaf drop and stunted growth

• Choose resistant varieties like New Guinea or SunPatiens

Wilting

• Usually caused by dry soil

• Water deeply and consistently

Slugs & Snails

• Young plants are vulnerable

• Use barriers or wildlife-friendly controls

Can Busy Lizzies Be Grown Indoors?

Yes - they make excellent houseplants in bright, indirect light.

• Keep soil evenly moist

• Avoid cold draughts

• Will flower for months indoors