Want to shower your shady patio, balcony, or garden with masses of cheerful, colorful blooms? , commonly known as Busy Lizzie, Waller’s Busy Lizzie, or simply Impatiens, are wonderfully popular and rewarding choices for outdoor container gardening in shaded locations. Celebrated for their profusion of delicate, vibrant flowers in a wide array of colors from whites and pinks to reds, oranges, purples, and bi-colors, their lush green foliage, and their ability to thrive in shade, Impatiens are perfect for brightening up those cooler, less sunny outdoor spaces. This comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know to grow Impatiens walleriana successfully in outdoor pots, from selecting the best varieties and containers to mastering essential care techniques for a season filled with Busy Lizzie blooms and shade-loving beauty.

Impatiens

What are Impatiens Walleriana (Busy Lizzies)?

Impatiens walleriana, commonly called Busy Lizzie, Waller’s Busy Lizzie, or simply Impatiens, is a species of flowering plant in the Balsaminaceae family (balsam family). Native to tropical East Africa, specifically the Zanzibar area, Mozambique, and Tanzania, Impatiens walleriana are popular annuals grown for their masses of delicate, colorful flowers and shade tolerance. Impatiens walleriana flowers are famous for their prolific, abundant blooms that completely cover the plant in color. They come in a vast array of colors, including white, pink, rose, salmon, coral, orange, red, purple, lavender, and bi-colors, often with contrasting eyes or patterns. Impatiens walleriana plants are characterized by their succulent stems, lush green foliage, and compact, bushy growth habit. They exhibit a mounding, bushy growth habit, ranging in height from dwarf varieties under 6 inches to larger types over 2 feet tall, depending on the cultivar and series. They are known for their prolific blooming, wide color range, shade tolerance, lush foliage, and relatively easy care, making them an invaluable addition to gardens and containers, especially for brightening up shady areas with continuous color throughout the summer and fall.

Are Impatiens Walleriana Good for Outdoor Pots?

Yes, Impatiens walleriana are exceptionally well-suited for outdoor pots and container gardening, especially dwarf and compact varieties. Their mounding, bushy growth habit, exceptionally long blooming season, tolerance of shade, and prolific, colorful flowers make them ideal for filling pots, patio containers, hanging baskets, and mixed container arrangements for shaded locations. Impatiens walleriana thrive in partial to full shade and bloom profusely throughout the warm season, providing a long-lasting and cheerful display in containers in shadier spots where many other flowering annuals struggle. Their relatively easy-care nature and masses of blooms make them a fantastic and rewarding choice for container gardens of all styles, especially for brightening up porches, patios, balconies, and decks with limited direct sunlight. Growing Impatiens walleriana in pots also allows you to easily move them to optimal locations to enjoy their beauty, to find the perfect shade level, and to control their growing conditions, especially soil moisture which they appreciate.

Ideal Growing Conditions for Impatiens Walleriana in Pots:

• Types of Impatiens Walleriana for Pots: Many Impatiens walleriana varieties are excellent for pots, but consider your desired height, flower color, and bloom time when choosing:

  • Dwarf Impatiens: (Under 8 inches tall) – Very compact and smaller in stature, ideal for small to medium pots, window boxes, edging, and foreground plantings. Known for their tight, mounding habit and profusion of blooms on very short stems. Excellent for smaller containers and tight spaces. Look for series like ‘ Super Elfin Series’, ‘ Dazzler Series’, ‘ Accent Series’, ‘ Imara XDR Series’ (dwarf selections), and ‘ Bounce Series’ (dwarf types).
  • Compact Impatiens: (8-12 inches tall) – Bushy and more upright than dwarf types, but still relatively compact, suitable for medium to large pots, patio containers, hanging baskets, and mixed arrangements. Offer larger flowers and a wider range of colors in a manageable size for pots. Look for series like ‘ Imara XDR Series’ (most selections), ‘ Beacon Series’, ‘ Fiesta Series’, ‘ Celebration Series’, ‘ Spectra Series’, and ‘ Big Bounce Series’ (compact types).
  • Medium-Sized Impatiens: (12-18 inches tall) – More upright and slightly taller, best suited for medium to large pots, as thrillers in mixed containers, and for focal points in shaded areas. Offer larger, showier flower heads and a more noticeable vertical presence in containers. Look for series like ‘ Big Bounce Series’ (taller types), ‘ Sun Harmony Series’ (shade tolerant), ‘ Divine Series’, ‘ Tempo Series’, ‘ Glimmer Series’, and older classic varieties. For most container gardening, dwarf to compact types are often more practical and floriferous.
  • Color Themes (for Pots): Choose varieties based on your desired color palette for your container garden. Impatiens walleriana offer an exceptionally wide color range.
    • Whites & Creams: ‘ Super Elfin White’, ‘ Beacon White’, ‘ Imara White’, ‘ Dazzler White’, ‘ Pure White’, ‘ Snowdrift’.
    • Pinks & Roses: ‘ Super Elfin Pink’, ‘ Beacon Pink’, ‘ Imara Rose’, ‘ Dazzler Rose’, ‘ Fiesta Pink’, ‘ Rosette Pink’.
    • Reds & Corals: ‘ Super Elfin Red’, ‘ Beacon Red’, ‘ Imara Red’, ‘ Dazzler Red’, ‘ Coral Bells’, ‘ Salmon Princess’.
    • Oranges & Salmons: ‘ Super Elfin Orange’, ‘ Beacon Salmon’, ‘ Imara Orange’, ‘ Dazzler Salmon’, ‘ Apricot Sprite’, ‘ Tangerine Tango’.
    • Purples & Lavenders: ‘ Super Elfin Lavender’, ‘ Beacon Violet’, ‘ Imara Violet’, ‘ Dazzler Lilac’, ‘ Orchid Magic’, ‘ Purple Majesty’.
    • Bi-colors & Patterns: ‘ Super Elfin Lipstick’, ‘ Beacon Coral Shine’, ‘ Fiesta Stardust’, ‘ Double Impatiens Mix’, ‘ Butterfly Mix’, ‘ Polka Dot’.

• Light: Impatiens walleriana thrive in partial to full shade. They need shade for most of the day, especially from hot afternoon sun, which can scorch their delicate leaves and flowers. Ideal locations are north-facing patios, balconies, or garden beds, or east-facing locations that receive morning sun only. While they need shade from strong sun, they still need bright, indirect light to bloom profusely. Very deep shade may reduce flowering. Aim for at least 2-4 hours of filtered or morning sun, or bright indirect light throughout the day. Avoid direct afternoon sun, especially in hot summer climates.

• Soil: Impatiens walleriana need rich, well-draining soil that is high in organic matter and slightly acidic to neutral. Use a high-quality potting mix specifically formulated for containers or flowers. Amend potting mix generously with compost, peat moss, or coco coir to improve fertility, drainage, and moisture retention. Impatiens appreciate rich, moisture-retentive soil that is also well-draining. While they need consistent moisture, good drainage is also essential to prevent root rot, especially in pots. Avoid heavy, compacted soil or garden soil in pots, as they can become waterlogged. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (around 6.0-7.0) is ideal for Impatiens walleriana.

• Watering: Impatiens walleriana need consistently moist soil and are not drought-tolerant. They are sensitive to drying out and will wilt quickly if soil moisture is insufficient. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry. Water deeply until water drains out of the drainage holes. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist, like a wrung-out sponge. Avoid overwatering and constantly soggy soil, which can also lead to root rot, especially in poorly draining pots. Watering frequency will depend on weather conditions, light levels, pot size, and plant size. During hot summer months, you may need to water daily or even twice a day for smaller pots in full shade or windy locations. Check soil moisture regularly and adjust watering accordingly. Impatiens are very sensitive to water stress, so consistent moisture is key for healthy growth and continuous blooming. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting foliage and flower heads excessively, which can encourage fungal diseases, especially in humid conditions, though modern varieties are more disease-resistant.

• Temperature: Impatiens walleriana are warm-weather plants that thrive in moderate temperatures and dislike extreme heat or cold. They perform best in temperatures between 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C). They are sensitive to both frost and extreme heat. Temperatures consistently above 85°F (29°C) can stress plants, reduce blooming, and make them more susceptible to diseases. Provide shade during the hottest part of the day in very hot climates. Impatiens walleriana are frost-tender and are not cold-hardy. They are typically grown as annuals in most climates(USDA zones below 10). In USDA zones 10-11, Impatiens walleriana can be short-lived perennials in frost-free, consistently shaded conditions, but are still generally grown as annuals for best, most reliable performance and consistent blooms. Potted Impatiens walleriana are easy to move to optimal locations to enjoy their beauty and find the best shade and temperature conditions. They do not tolerate frost or freezing temperatures.

• Fertilizer: Impatiens walleriana are moderate feeders and benefit from regular fertilization to support their prolific blooming and healthy growth. Over-fertilizing can lead to leggy growth and weaker stems, and can reduce flowering. Fertilize regularly during the growing season (spring to fall) with a balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 or 20-20-20) diluted to half strength, every 2-4 weeks, or according to product label instructions. Alternatively, you can use a slow-release granular fertilizer incorporated into the potting mix at planting time, but use it at a lower rate than recommended for heavy feeders, and supplement with liquid feed as needed. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which can promote leafy growth at the expense of blooms. A fertilizer slightly higher in phosphorus (the middle number in the N-P-K ratio) can encourage better flowering. Regular, consistent feeding is beneficial for Impatiens walleriana to fuel their continuous blooming.

Choosing the Right Pots for Impatiens Walleriana:

• Suitable Pot Types: Impatiens walleriana are adaptable to various pot types, including terracotta, ceramic, plastic, resin, and hanging baskets. Consider these factors when selecting pot types for Impatiens walleriana:

  • Plastic Pots: Lightweight, inexpensive, retain moisture well, and are available in various colors and styles. Excellent choice for Impatiens walleriana, especially for moisture retention in shaded locations, and for hanging baskets and larger pots that need to be moved. Choose good quality plastic pots with drainage holes. Lighter colored plastic pots may heat up less in indirect sun. Plastic pots help retain moisture, which is beneficial for moisture-loving Impatiens.
  • Resin Pots: Lightweight, durable, available in various styles mimicking terracotta or ceramic, and offer a balance of drainage and moisture retention. A good alternative to heavy ceramic pots, and often more durable than terracotta or plastic. Resin pots also retain moisture well, similar to plastic.
  • Glazed Ceramic Pots: Available in many decorative styles, can add a decorative element to your container garden, and retain moisture reasonably well. Ensure good drainage. Choose based on your desired aesthetic and moisture retention needs. Glazed ceramic pots retain moisture better than unglazed terracotta, which can be beneficial for Impatiens, but ensure drainage is still adequate.
  • Hanging Baskets: Impatiens walleriana are exceptionally well-suited for hanging baskets, cascading beautifully over the edges and creating a waterfall of color in shady locations. Use coco coir, moss-lined, or plastic hanging baskets, ensuring good drainage and adequate size for the desired display. Dwarf and compact varieties are ideal for hanging baskets.
  • Avoid Deep, Water-Retaining Pots (in very shady locations): While Impatiens need moisture, in very shady, cool locations, overly deep or water-retaining pots can stay too wet for too long, potentially leading to root rot. In very shady spots, shallower to medium-depth pots may be preferable, and ensure excellent drainage.

• Drainage: Good drainage is essential for Impatiens walleriana to prevent root rot, although they appreciate consistently moist soil but not soggy conditions. Ensure your chosen pot has drainage holes at the bottom. Avoid pots without drainage holes. Adding a layer of gravel or pot shards at the base of the pot is generally not strictly necessary if using a well-draining potting mix, but can be done for extra precaution, especially in heavier pots or if you tend to overwater. Elevating pots slightly on pot feet or bricks can further improve drainage and air circulation around the base, especially in very shady locations.

• Pot Size: Choose pot sizes appropriate for the type and mature size of the Impatiens walleriana you are planting, and the desired visual impact. Impatiens have moderately sized root systems and need adequate space for healthy growth and flowering.

  • Dwarf Impatiens: For dwarf Impatiens walleriana, pots that are 6-8 inches in diameter and at least 6 inches deep are suitable for individual plants. For mass plantings or window boxes, use larger containers or window boxes with spacing of about 6-8 inches between plants. Hanging baskets for dwarf varieties can be 8-10 inches in diameter or larger.
  • Compact Impatiens: For compact Impatiens walleriana varieties, use pots that are 8-12 inches in diameterand at least 8-10 inches deep for individual plants, or larger patio containers or hanging baskets for multiple plants or mixed arrangements. Compact Impatiens need more root space and stability. Hanging baskets for compact varieties can be 10-14 inches in diameter or larger.
  • Medium-Sized Impatiens: For medium-sized Impatiens walleriana varieties, use pots that are 10-14 inches in diameter or larger and at least 10-12 inches deep for individual plants, or larger tubs or patio containers for multiple plants or mixed arrangements. Medium-sized Impatiens need more root space and stability. Hanging baskets for medium varieties should be 12-16 inches in diameter or larger.

• Color and Style: Choose pot colors and styles that complement your Impatiens walleriana blooms and your outdoor décor, and the shady location. Brightly colored pots can enhance the cheerful colors of Impatiens blooms, especially in shady areas. White, cream, or pastel pots can create a softer, more elegant look in shade. Terra cotta or natural-look pots can provide a more classic, garden-style feel. Hanging baskets in natural coco coir or moss-lined styles enhance the cascading beauty of Impatiens. Consider the overall style of your patio or garden and choose pots that harmonize with the surroundings, and enhance the bright, colorful ambiance you wish to create in your shady outdoor spaces.

Essential Care Tips for Thriving Impatiens Walleriana in Outdoor Pots:

• Watering: “Keep Soil Consistently Moist, Never Allow to Dry Out”. Water thoroughly and regularly to maintain consistently moist soil, especially during warm weather and active growth. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry. Never allow the soil to dry out completely. Check soil moisture frequently, especially in hot or windy conditions.
• Sunlight: Provide Partial to Full Shade (Avoid Hot Afternoon Sun). Place Impatiens walleriana pots in a location that receives partial to full shade, protected from hot afternoon sun. Morning sun is tolerated, but shade during the hottest part of the day is essential.
• Fertilizing: Fertilize Regularly, Every 2-4 Weeks During Growing Season. Fertilize every 2-4 weeks with a dilute balanced liquid fertilizer, or use slow-release fertilizer at planting time at a lower rate, supplementing with liquid feed as needed. Regular feeding is beneficial for continuous blooming.
• Deadheading (Encourage Continuous Bloom & Tidiness): Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming and maintain a tidy appearance. Pinch or snip off faded flowers and developing seed pods. Regular deadheading encourages more flower production throughout the season.
• Pinching (Encourage Bushier Growth, Optional): Pinching back young Impatiens walleriana seedlings when they are young can encourage bushier growth and more flower stems. Pinch off the tips of stems when plants are young to promote branching. Pinching is optional, but can result in fuller, bushier plants with even more blooms.
• Protect from Frost: Impatiens are Frost-Tender Annuals. Impatiens walleriana are annuals and will not survive frost. Protect from frost and freezing temperatures. Enjoy them for the warm season and replant annually each spring.
• Disease Prevention (Good Air Circulation, Avoid Overcrowding): Impatiens walleriana can be susceptible to fungal diseases, especially Impatiens Downy Mildew. Choose disease-resistant varieties when possible (like ‘Imara XDR’ and ‘Beacon’ series). Ensure good air circulation by spacing plants adequately, avoid overcrowding, and avoid overhead watering. Water at the base of the plant. Monitor for any signs of disease and treat promptly with appropriate fungicides if necessary, though prevention is key.

Popular Impatiens Walleriana Cultivars for Pots (by Type/Color/Height):

• Dwarf Impatiens Series: ‘ Super Elfin Series’ (wide color range, very dwarf), ‘ Dazzler Series’ (compact, early blooming), ‘ Accent Series’ (dwarf, star-shaped flowers), ‘ Imara XDR Series Dwarf’ (dwarf, disease-resistant), ‘ Bounce Series Compact’ (compact, re-bouncing blooms).
• Compact Impatiens Series: ‘ Imara XDR Series’ (most colors, disease-resistant), ‘ Beacon Series’ (disease-resistant, vibrant colors), ‘ Fiesta Series’ (double flowers, compact), ‘ Celebration Series’ (large flowers, compact), ‘ Spectra Series’ (wide color range, reliable), ‘ Big Bounce Series Compact’ (compact, large re-bouncing blooms).
• Medium Impatiens Series: ‘ Big Bounce Series’ (larger, re-bouncing blooms), ‘ Sun Harmony Series’ (shade tolerant, good sun resistance too), ‘ Divine Series’ (large flowers, mounding habit), ‘ Tempo Series’ (vigorous, medium height), ‘ Glimmer Series’ (double flowers, trailing habit), older classic varieties (various colors, reliable).
• Color Themes (Examples):
  • White/Cream: ‘ Super Elfin White’, ‘ Beacon White’, ‘ Imara White’, ‘ Dazzler White’, ‘ Avalanche White’, ‘ Pure White’.
  • Pink/Rose: ‘ Super Elfin Pink’, ‘ Beacon Pink’, ‘ Imara Rose’, ‘ Dazzler Rose’, ‘ Carousel Pink’, ‘ Rosette Pink’.
  • Red/Coral: ‘ Super Elfin Red’, ‘ Beacon Red’, ‘ Imara Red’, ‘ Dazzler Red’, ‘ Reddy to Red’, ‘ Coral Princess’.
  • Orange/Salmon: ‘ Super Elfin Orange’, ‘ Beacon Salmon’, ‘ Imara Orange’, ‘ Dazzler Salmon’, ‘ Orange Splash’, ‘ Salmon Swirl’.
  • Purple/Lavender: ‘ Super Elfin Lavender’, ‘ Beacon Violet’, ‘ Imara Violet’, ‘ Dazzler Lilac’, ‘ Purple Pinata’, ‘ Lavender Lace’.
  • Bi-color/Patterned: ‘ Super Elfin Lipstick’, ‘ Beacon Coral Shine’, ‘ Fiesta Stardust’, ‘ Butterfly Mix’, ‘ Polka Dot’, ‘ Candy Mix’.

In Summary:

Growing Impatiens walleriana (Busy Lizzies) in outdoor pots is a wonderfully rewarding way to shower your shady patios, balconies, and gardens with masses of cheerful, colorful blooms throughout the summer and fall. Their prolific flowering, wide color range, shade tolerance, lush foliage, and relatively easy care make them a perfect choice for container gardeners seeking to brighten up cooler, shadier outdoor spaces. By providing partial to full shade, rich and consistently moist but well-draining potting mix in pots with drainage, regular fertilizing during the growing season, deadheading spent flowers, and choosing pot sizes and styles that complement their shade-loving beauty, you can easily cultivate thriving Impatiens walleriana plants in pots and enjoy their captivating, colorful displays from spring planting until frost, year after year as annuals.

Impatiens

For more detailed botanical information and to explore the diverse world of Impatiens walleriana, you can visit the Wikipedia page on Impatiens walleriana.

Important Note: Impatiens walleriana plants are generally considered non-toxic to humans and pets, making them a safe and attractive choice for households with children and animals. The primary care benefits of Impatiens walleriana in pots are their exceptionally prolific and continuous blooming, wide and cheerful color range, shade tolerance, and relatively easy care, bringing masses of delightful, long-lasting color to your shady outdoor spaces for many months. With these simple care practices, you can enjoy a season filled with the abundant beauty of Impatiens walleriana in your outdoor containers.