Impatiens tinctoria (Dyers Busy Lizzie)

Impatiens tinctoria (Dyers Busy Lizzie) is a vigorous, upright, tuberous perennial with fleshy, branched stems and oval, toothed, dark green leaves, up to 10 in. long (25 cm). From summer into fall, sprays of orchid shaped, gardenia-scented, white flowers, up to 3 in. across (7 cm), with crimson red markings, are held above the foliage. Native to tropical Africa, Impatiens tinctoria is the largest of the hardy perennial balsams. This mammoth perennial can reach nearly eight feet (240 cm) in ideal conditions. At home in cool summer areas, it dislikes summer heat. It needs shelter, fertile soil and prefers a good degree of shade. In frost-free gardens, the stems do not die, but lean over until a node touches the ground where the plant sends out roots to make a new clump. Cultivated for its striking flowers as an indoor and outdoor ornamental in tropical and temperate regions, Impatiens tinctoria makes an impressive background specimen in the shade garden.

• Grows up to 4-5 ft. tall (120-150 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm).
• Performs best in part shade in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in a sheltered position. Mulch well in winter
• Great for shady and moist areas in beds and borders, cottage gardens, underplanting shrubs and roses or containers.
• No serious pest or disease issues.
• No pruning needed other than to cut down stems at the end of the season.
• Propagate by seed.
• Native to tropical Africa.