Busy lizzie - Impatiens walleriana (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Busy lizzie

Also known as: Japanese Balsam, Sultan's balsam, Balsam

The long-lasting blooms of busy lizzie are a riot of color. The flowers generally range from vibrant purple to orange. Some of the flowers are used for hair coloring and dyes. Its genus name, Impatiens, comes from the word "impatiens" or "impatient" in Latin because the seed pods are often in a rush to open up.

Scientific classification

Species

Busy lizzie (Impatiens walleriana)

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Perennial, Annual

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Mid spring, Late spring, Summer, Fall, Early winter

Bloom Time

Spring

Harvest Time

15 cm to 60 cm

Plant Height

30 cm to 90 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

2 cm to 5 cm

Flower Size

White, Red, Orange, Pink, Purple, Mauve

Flower Color

Non-dormant

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer, Fall

Growth Season

Images of Busy lizzie

Distribution of Busy lizzie

Distribution Map

Busy lizzie grows natively from Southeast Kenya down to South Africa in and alongside forests, beside streams, and in areas of moisture and shade. While it is a popular garden plant, it's considered invasive in many regions, including some parts of Asia, South America, and Australia.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Damp and shady situations, roadsides, disturbed sites, waste areas in populated areas

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Economic Value

Impatiens can be used to dye nails.

Garden Use

A popular bedding plant, the busy lizzie is cherished for its wide variety of bicolored and double flowers. It grows very well in shade and cottage gardens. An old-fashioned yet classic pairing is with Azaleas, however other companion plants such as Daphne, Boxwood, Holly, and Camellia do well with the busy lizzie as well.

Symbolism

Motherly love

Name Story

Busy lizzie: Its beautiful flowers have attracted countless people's attention. Not only that the flowers are beautiful, but also that it blossoms continuously from summer to autumn. It seems like it is so busy blossoming that it is given the name busy Lizzie.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Busy lizzie, including the following common varieties :

Buzzy lizzy 'Accent White'Busy lizzie 'Rockapulco White'

Quickly Identify Busy lizzie

Distinctive flower spur with elongated white appearance.

Explosively dehiscent capsules with ribbed texture for seed dispersal.

Succulent, smooth stems branching widely for lush growth pattern.

Showy blooms in a variety of colors, including peach, apricot, and bicolored.

Oval to elliptical leaves with serrated margins and stalked glands on teeth.

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Care Guide for Busy lizzie

Twice per week

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Busy lizzie thrives in tropical environments, preferring consistent moisture and high humidity. Watering should occur twice a week to maintain soil moisture without waterlogging. In indoor settings, higher humidity levels enhance growth and blooming, mimicking its natural habitat.

Fertilize: Busy lizzie thrives with phosphorus-rich fertilizers for vibrant blooms. Use diluted balanced fertilizer biweekly in growing season and monthly in winter. Apply at quarter-strength to prevent root burn. Adjust based on seasonal cues to ensure health and avoid over/under-fertilization issues.

Pruning: Busy lizzie benefits from regular pruning in early to late spring, focusing on removing spent flowers, yellowing leaves, and damaged stems. This encourages bushier growth and improves air circulation. Use clean, sharp tools, and avoid heavy fall pruning to prevent stressing the plant.

Propagation: Busy lizzie propagation is most effective by sowing seeds in Spring. Germination success is marked by seedling emergence, requiring adequate light, moisture, and temperature for optimal growth.

Repotting: Repot busy lizzie every 2-3 years in early spring, using a slightly larger pot for healthy root growth. After repotting, provide indirect light and maintain consistent moisture. Use airy, nutrient-rich soil to support busy lizzie's vibrant blooms and compact growth.

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Images of Busy lizzie

Distribution of Busy lizzie

Culture

Cultivars

Quickly Identify Busy lizzie

Care Guide for Busy lizzie

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