We're offering you a 30 or 60 Busy Lizzie Strawberries &Cream for £7.99, saving you up to 64% off Thompson and Morgan's's price of £21.99 (correct as of 24.02.2026).

Add Long-Lasting Colour to Shady Spaces

The Busy Lizzie 'Beacon Strawberries & Cream' (Impatiens walleriana) is a classic bedding plant known for its ability to thrive where many others won't—shady corners and north-facing borders. This variety produces a striking mix of strawberry-red and creamy white blooms, delivering continuous colour from spring right through to the first autumn frost.

Why Choose 'Beacon Strawberries & Cream'?

• Reliable Shade Performance: Unlike many flowering plants, Busy Lizzies flourish in part to full shade, making them ideal for under trees, beside fences, or on covered patios.
• Long-Lasting Blooms: Enjoy a season-long floral display—these annuals start blooming in late spring and keep going until cold weather sets in.
• Easy-Care Beauty: With a vigorous growth habit and strong disease resistance (including downy mildew tolerance), these plants require little more than regular watering to look their best.
• Bicolour Appeal: The unique blend of red and cream flowers creates a soft, eye-catching effect that stands out in mixed containers or mass plantings.

Planting & Care Guide

• Planting Time: Plant out after the last frost—typically from late April to early June in the UK.
• Location: Best suited to partial or full shade; avoid direct midday sun for optimal flowering.
• Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Avoid waterlogging.
• Feeding: Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every few weeks during the growing season for best results.
• Pest & Disease: This Beacon series offers improved resistance to downy mildew—a common issue with older Busy Lizzie types.

Design Ideas & Companion Plants

• Bedding Displays: Plant en masse for a carpet of colour beneath shrubs or trees.
• Pots & Hanging Baskets: Combine with trailing lobelia, ferns, or hostas for lush, layered arrangements.
• Cottage Gardens: Mix with shade-tolerant annuals like begonias or coleus for varied texture and interest.

Frequently Asked Questions

• When is the best time to plant Busy Lizzies?
  The best time is after the risk of frost has passed—usually late April to early June in most UK regions.
• How tall do these plants grow?
  'Beacon Strawberries & Cream' typically reaches 20–30cm (8–12 inches) tall and spreads up to 25cm wide.
• Do they need deadheading?
  No—Busy Lizzies are self-cleaning and will drop spent flowers naturally, keeping displays tidy without extra effort.