Garden Balsam Plant Care

Garden Balsam (Impatiens balsamina) belongs to the Balsaminaceae family within the Impatiens genus. Garden Balsam is native to India and Myanmar. Garden Balsam is also known as Busy Lizzie, Impatiens.

Garden Balsam displays a low mounding, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Garden Balsam produces colorful, single or double blooms in various shades.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Garden Balsam every 3–4 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Garden Balsam thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Garden Balsam in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Impatiens balsamina tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Garden Balsam prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Garden Balsam to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Garden Balsam every 4 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Garden Balsam is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Garden Balsam can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Garden Balsam while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Garden Balsam is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Garden Balsam can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to dwarf jewelweed plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Garden Balsam is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Garden Balsam grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Garden Balsam is native to India and Myanmar. In cooler regions, grow Garden Balsam as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.