Busy Lizzie | Impatiens Walleriana

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The Busy Lizzie (Impatiens walleriana) is a flowering plant belonging to the Balsaminaceae family. It is a herbaceous perennial in frost-free regions, but it is considered a half-hardy annual elsewhere. It is easily recognized by its five-petaled blooms, which come in a wide variety of colors. Busy Lizzie typically blooms from early summer through to late fall and is extremely easy to care for.

The name of the species, Impatiens walleriana, comes from the Latin word for “impatient,” referring to the characteristic of the seed to explode from the dry seed head. The species name, walleriana, is derived from the name of Reverend H.E. Waller of England, who wrote a lot of books and papers about the family Balsaminaceae. In some parts of the world, particularly in Britain, Busy Lizzie is known by its old common name, Wild Balsam.

How to Plant and Grow Busy Lizzie

Busy Lizzie is an easy-to-grow plant and will thrive with minimal effort. First and foremost, it needs some degree of shade to grow well. If you are planting in pots, select a pot with adequate drainage. Fill the pot or containers with a well-draining, acidic soil mix and make sure to water the soil well before planting. The ideal temperature is between 16 to 25°C (60 to 77°F). For maximum blooms, provide Busy Lizzie with a good balance of sunlight and shade. Water regularly, if the soil is dry, and provide occasional liquid fertilizer. Busy Lizzie is also known to be drought tolerant, so don’t worry if you forget to water now and then.

Meaning and Symbolism

Busy Lizzie is known for its patience, a quality which it admires in the people that tend to it. In a similar way, it often features in folk tales as a reflection of its resilience. In some cultures, it is a representation of cheerfulness, particularly when the plants are in full bloom. In Hindu religion, it often represents the cheerful living of life, while it is also associated with encouragement.

History, Mythology, and Religious Significance

The Busy Lizzie has a long history of spiritual and religious significance. It is mentioned in ancient Indian texts, such as Vedas, in which its spiritual qualities are praised. In Hindu mythology, it is associated with fertility and was an important part of pre-marital rituals in some parts of India. In Christianity, it tends to be associated with the Resurrection and the shedding of the old and embracing of the new.

Flower Varieties and Their Defining Characteristics

There are several varieties of Impatiens walleriana that are cultivated in gardens around the world. The most common ones include the following:

Impatiens balsamina – also known as Garden Balsam, this variety is native to tropical regions in Asia. It is an erect, erectly branched, annual herb that typically grows up to 45 cm in height. Its blooms come in shades of pink, purple, white, yellow, and orange. The foliage is deep green and glossy.
Impatiens niamniamensis – also known as African Busy Lizzie, this is a bushy, annual herb. It is a popular garden flower in tropical and subtropical regions, where it can reach a height of around 60 cm. Its flowers are usually pink and the foliage is usually deep green and glossy.
Impatiens pallida – also known as Yellow Jewelweed, this variety is native to tropical regions of South America. It can reach a height of between 90 to 100 cm and is much bushier than the other varieties. Its flowers are usually yellow and the foliage is often variegated.

How to Pot and Repot Busy Lizzie

Busy Lizzie is suitable for potting and should be planted in containers with large enough to accommodate their roots. When potting, select a pot with adequate drainage holes. This is necessary as Busy Lizzie are very sensitive to overwatering and will not do well in soil that is boggy. Make sure to leave enough space in the container for the roots to breathe and spread.

To repot Busy Lizzie, carefully remove the root ball from the pot, gently loosen the roots and transfer it to a new pot that is slightly larger than the previous one. Refill the pot with a light, well-draining potting mix and water well. Leave the plant in partial shade for about a week, until it adjusts. This will allow the plant to settle into its new environment and start producing blooms again.

How to Prune

Pruning is necessary for strong, healthy Busy Lizzie growth and flowering. Begin by deadheading the spent blooms to encourage more blooms. Also, prune any damaged or awkwardly placed stems and leaves. When pruning, use sharp, clean shears and make sure to sterilize them between cuts with rubbing alcohol. Pruning also helps maintain the desired shape of the plant, so make sure to keep this in mind when you are pruning.

How to Propagate

You can propagate Busy Lizzie with either seeds or cuttings. Propagating with cuttings is probably the most efficient and reliable method. Begin by taking cuttings between five to eighteen cm in length with a sharp knife or scissors. Remove any leaves below the cutting and dip the cutting into root hormone powder. Finally, transfer the cutting into a pot containing moistened potting soil. Place in partial shade and keep the soil moist at all times. Cuttings should root within four to six weeks.

Common Pests and Diseases

Busy Lizzie is generally not affected by major pests or diseases, but it can occasionally be affected by powdery mildew. This is caused by an environment that is not sufficiently humid. The best way to prevent this is to ensure that the plant is kept in an area with adequate humidity and to avoid overfertilizing. Make sure to check the foliage very often and remove any affected parts of the plant. If you find any affected areas, treat the plant promptly with a fungicide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What type of plant is Busy Lizzie? A. Busy Lizzie is an herbaceous perennial in frost-free regions, but it is considered a half-hardy annual elsewhere.
Q. What is the ideal temperature for Busy Lizzie to thrive? A. The ideal temperature is between 16 to 25°C (60 to 77°F).
Q. How often should I water Busy Lizzie? A. Water the plant regularly if the soil is dry, and provide occasional liquid fertilizer. Busy Lizzie is also known to be drought tolerant, so don’t worry if you forget to water now and then.

Table Fact Sheet

Busy Lizzie	Impatiens walleriana
Family	Balsaminaceae
Plant Type	Herbaceous Perennial (Half-hardy Annual)
Mature Size	Up to 0.45 m (18 in) The flowers tend to be short-lived.
Sun Exposure	Some Shade
Soil Type	Well-draining, acidic soil
Soil pH	5.5 – 6.5
Bloom Time	Summer to Late Fall
Flower Color	Pink, Purple, White, Yellow, Orange
Hardiness Zones	3-11
Native Area	Tropical Regions of Asia, South and Central America