Impatiens

RHS Genus Guide
Commonly known as busy Lizzies, Impatiens offer a kaleidoscope of flower colour. Popular for summer bedding and containers, some are grown as houseplants, while lesser-known hardy species can be left outdoors year-round. Most prefer shade, but some thrive in full sun.

Common name: Balsam, busy Lizzie

RHS/Mark Winwood

Appearance

Almost succulent stems are topped by vibrantly coloured disc-shaped or tubular flowers set against fleshy, light to dark green leaves. Flowers have a characteristic spur behind the bloom.

Preferences

They grow best in part-shade on well-drained soils that don't dry out completely, and they grow well in containers. Some cultivars, such as those in the SunPatiens series, tolerate full sun.

Dislikes

Wet conditions encourage the growth of fungal moulds on the flowers and leaves, causing them to collapse. The roots will rot in waterlogged soils. Most don't do well in full sun.

Did you know?

The botanical name Impatiens refers to their dramatically explosive seedpods, which was perceived as their “impatience” to reproduce.
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Impatiens

creeping balsam
Impatiens repens

creeping balsam

Height
0.1–0.5 metres
Width
0.1–0.5 metres
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parrot plant
Award of Garden Merit
Impatiens niamniamensis

parrot plant

Height
0.5–1 metres
Width
0.1–0.5 metres
View
busy lizzie [SunPatiens Spreading Variegated White]
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Impatiens SunPatiens Spreading Variegated White ('Sakimp018'PBR) (SunPatiens Series) (NG/v)

busy lizzie [SunPatiens Spreading Variegated White]

Height
0.1–0.5 metres
Width
0.1–0.5 metres
View
busy lizzie [Divine Violet]
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Impatiens Divine Violet (Divine Series) (NG)

busy lizzie [Divine Violet]

Height
0.1–0.5 metres
Width
0.1–0.5 metres
View
busy lizzie [SunPatiens Compact Blush Pink]
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Impatiens SunPatiens Compact Blush Pink ('Sakimp013'PBR) (SunPatiens Series) (NG)

busy lizzie [SunPatiens Compact Blush Pink]

Height
0.1–0.5 metres
Width
0.1–0.5 metres
View
toothed busy lizzie
Impatiens arguta

toothed busy lizzie

Height
0.1–0.5 metres
Width
0.1–0.5 metres
View
poor man's rhododendron
Impatiens sodenii

poor man's rhododendron

Height
1–1.5 metres
Width
0.5–1 metres
View
narrow-flowered balsam
Impatiens stenantha

narrow-flowered balsam

Height
0.1–0.5 metres
Width
0.1–0.5 metres
View
dyers busy lizzie
Impatiens tinctoria

dyers busy lizzie

Height
1.5–2.5 metres
Width
0.5–1 metres
View
busy lizzie [Sun Harmony Deep Orange]
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Impatiens Sun Harmony Deep Orange ('Dhar328') (Sun Harmony Series) (NG)

busy lizzie [Sun Harmony Deep Orange]

Height
0.5–1 metres
Width
0.1–0.5 metres
View
busy lizzie [SunPatiens Compact Electric Orange]
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Impatiens SunPatiens Compact Electric Orange ('Sakimp025'PBR) (SunPatiens Series) (NG)

busy lizzie [SunPatiens Compact Electric Orange]

Height
0.1–0.5 metres
Width
0.1–0.5 metres
View
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Useful Advice

Pot displays of summer bedding at RHS Garden Hyde Hall

Bedding plants and displays
Large containers are best for creating striking displays and are easier to look after

Growing plants in containers
Themed containers can be grouped for a high-impact display

Containers: summer selection
White flowers such Anemone brighten up shade

Shade planting: annuals, bulbs and perennials

Other plants you may like

Sweet peas (annuals)

Annual phlox

Foxglove

Shade-tolerant garden euphorbias