Bizzie/Busy Lizzies!

What alternatives are people going to be growing this year, especially after the collapse of impatiens due to the new virus? Are New Gunea Impatiens affected? Personally, I'm not keen on them. Having worked in a garden centre for many years and having some quite elderly customers becoming very irate over the 'last' boxes of the darn things, it's about time something else took their place!

Hello lilwead,

The first problem bizzie lizzies suffered from was the downy mildew, which came to the UK early in this century, and does not affect New Guinea impatiens. The virus, necrotic spot virus, has been around a bit longer and affects a wide range of plants, not just bizzie lizzie. It is a real shame as they are great plants for shade. Fortunately, begonias are also good for shade. Our begonia and fern pot display looks great.

Emma

gardenersworld.com team

Hi,

What's a good alternative that will tolerate shade and keep going all summer until the first frost?