Busy lizzies rebooted

A summer star till disease struck. But now they’re back and bolder than ever

AN EXOTIC BEAUTY ... WITH BLOOMS THREE TIMES BIGGER

BUSYlizzi es were once the most popular bedding plants in Britain, loved by gardeners for their ability to provide solid sheets of colour for months on end, whether in partial or full shade.

Well over 50 million of them used to be snapped up annually for beds, pots, hanging baskets and traditional bedding schemes.

Alas, their tenure at the top came to an abrupt halt in 2011, when a virulent fungal disease devastated busy lizzies (Impatiens walleriana) across the country. As a result of this outbreak of downy mildew, most suppliers made the decision to stop selling the one-time favourite annual the following spring.

At the time, petunias, marigolds and fibrous rooted begonias were all mooted as possible alternatives by pundits, but let’s face it, none of these plants look a bit like busy lizzies. Neither do they come close to matching their versatility, broad range of colours or length of flowering.

Step forward New Guinea impatiens (Impatiens hawkeri), a tender perennial best described as a busy lizzie on steroids. As its botanical name would suggest, it’s closely related to the dethroned bedding stalwart but is larger, more vigorous and has flowers three times the size, providing plants with an exotic air.

Most important for gardeners wanting a similar substitute, New Guinea impatiens are not susceptible to downy mildew disease. The plants even tolerate more direct sunlight than traditional busy lizzies, although they perform best in light shade, flowering from late spring until the first frosts.

New Guinea impatiens are native to the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea and were first collected by Royal Navy officer Lieutenant Hawker, who introduced this tropical wonder to Britain in 1884. It was originally grown in greenhouses and became a popular houseplant during the 20th Century.

Following the downfall of busy lizzies, sales of New Guinea impa- tiens as outdoor plants started to pick up, and a succession of new lines were introduced by breeders. These are usually sold as plugs or young plants in a mixture (known as a series) of colours, rather than in individual shades. Pots of young plants are available from garden centres in late spring and early summer, but there’s a better choice if you buy plug plants from online suppliers. It’s also more economical to buy plugs, as they cost anywhere from 12p to 66p each, depending on size, compared to £2.50 or so for an individual plant in stores. Plugs will arrive in blister packs to prevent damage in the post. Open up containers, stand plugs upright and water lightly, if necessary. Within t he next f ew days, set individual plugs into small pots filled with multi-purpose compost. Stand in a light, frost-free place until the end of May. Use New Guinea impatiens as the centrepiece for hanging basket arrangements or mix with other seasonal plants in patio containers. They are perfect for flanking paths, dotting into beds and planting in groups to create patches of colour in a dimly lit border – space 12in apart so they have room to spread.

Water regularly and feed weekly with a high potash fertiliser. Many people treat New Guinea impatiens as annuals, consigning them to the compost heap once autumn arrives. However, it is possible to save them for next summer by standing plants in a warm, bright spot inside during the colder months.