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Herbaceous Perennial

Impatiens tinctoria

dyers busy lizzie

A vigorous, erect, tuberous perennial, to 2m tall, with fleshy stems and dark green, deeply-veined leaves up to 23cm long. Sprays of hooded and spurred, scented, white flowers up to 6cm across, with dark pink markings in the centre, are produced in summer and autumn

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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Red White Green
Autumn Red White Green
Winter
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or East–facing or North–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Balsaminaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Impatiens can be annuals or evergreen perennials, with fleshy stems bearing simple, toothed leaves and solitary or clustered, spurred, 5-petalled flowers

Name status

Correct

Plant range
E Tropical Africa

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in a sheltered position in partial shade. Mulch well in winter

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Sub-tropical
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

No pruning required other than to cut down stems at the end of the season

Pests

Generally problem free

Diseases

Generally problem free

Get involved

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