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Busy Lizzie Blight
Susiejenny
Posts: 22
I understand that due to a bug Busy Lizzies (Impatiens) have not been grown the last few years. Has this problem been resolved does anybody know? My front garden ( a large flower bed really) only gets morning sun and they were ideal as gave loads of colour popped in here and there but did not mind shade. Grateful for any advice.
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Hi Susiejenny
A strain of impatiens called New Guinea Hybrids has been developed which is highly resistant to the mildew which affects Busy Lizzies and they provide lots of good colour and are happy in shade.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Its not a bug its downy mildew, just avoid any seeds or plants with the word Walleriana. This is the strain that is suffering.
It's such a shame, it is here in France too. Like Susie a neighbour here also had a magnificent area full of busy lizzies each year. I believe she now has the resilient version. Our local nursery gave her a full refund a couple of summers ago when it first manifested itself.
Would begonias be suitable replacements?
I have grown some from seed. Will they be alright? don't know what strain - just said 'busy lizzy'. They are in the greenhouse - I was about to pot them on.
I am in France and I grow Walleriana from seed. Haven't had any problems so far. But they need sowing fairly early as they are slow starters. I had a problem about 3 years ago when I bought some as I ran out.
Bedding begonias will grow in the same conditions.