Genus guide
Impatiens — 11 species
Impatiens, often called busy Lizzies, are reliable flowering annuals and perennials that fill shaded spots with continuous colour from spring through autumn. Traditional I. walleriana cultivars prefer dappled shade or filtered morning sun, while New Guinea types tolerate brighter indirect light. All need consistently moist, well-draining soil and wilt quickly if allowed to dry out; avoid overhead watering to reduce fungal risk. Impatiens are non-toxic to cats and dogs according to the ASPCA, making them a genuinely pet-friendly choice for borders, containers, and hanging baskets.
All Impatiens species we cover
- Accent Scarlet Busy Lizzie
- Congo cockatoo impatiens
- Divine Orange New Guinea Impatiens
- Fiesta Double Pink Impatiens
- Impatiens
- Impatiens balsamina
- Impatiens hawkeri 'SunPatiens Compact Hot Coral'
- Impatiens hawkeri 'SunPatiens Spreading White'
- Impatiens walleriana 'Xtreme Salmon'
- New Guinea Impatiens
- Oliver's impatiens
Impatiens — frequently asked questions
Are Impatiens plants toxic to cats and dogs?
Most Impatiens are pet-safe. Of the 11 Impatiens species we cover, 8 are non-toxic on the ASPCA list and 3 carry a toxic or mildly-toxic rating. Even so, confirm the individual species before trusting it around pets.
How much light do Impatiens plants need?
Most Impatiens do best in medium indirect light. If yours stretches toward the window or loses its variegation it wants more light; scorched or bleached leaves mean it is getting too much direct sun.
Are Impatiens easy to care for?
Many Impatiens are beginner-friendly — they tolerate lower light and forgiving watering. Water to how fast the pot actually dries rather than a fixed calendar and most will thrive.
How many Impatiens varieties are there?
Growli's care library covers 11 Impatiens species and varieties — browse them all above. They share a similar light, water and soil pattern, so once you learn one Impatiens, the rest follow closely.
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