Busy Lizzies RIP . What alternatives?

http://gardenerscorner.co.uk/forum/.../36297-whats-happened-our-bussie-lizzies.html

The link above showed that virtually every corner of the country was affected by the Busy Lizzie mildew disease. So I for one will not be growing or buying any BL's for 2012 . It is a lovely plant in containers and handy for filling that odd gap here and there. I did grow a variety of New Guinea impatiens and these were great although expensive.
As we will soon be planning our seed purchases for next year , what would be a good replacement for a BL ? Something that can go in baskets, containers ,beds in sun or shade ? Any ideas GC

 

heucheras .... but not sure if you can grow them from seed

I'm not talking about the older purple palace ... they are in all colours now, very versatile and have interest for all seasons

 

I would suggest Begonia sempervirens.

 

My best plants this year were Non-Stop Begonias and Cosmos.
They flowered from May until recently (some still have a few flowers remaining) and this is in cold Northumberland.
They seem to be tough, great colours and pretty cheap. I was paying £2 for packs of 4 ready to go plants.
Begonia Sempevirens also went well. They are round 2 sides of the greenhouse (outside) and are still partially flowering.

 

What about Mimulus, mine have always put on a good display.

 

I love Bizzy Lizzies! Some people think they're "common" - fools!

Keep growing them next year, from seed if possible. If they die, then grow them again the next year. Then again. And again. And again.

Let the plants build up natural resistance and gradually fight the evil disease nature's way - we can beat it!

 

When you've beat it - let us know.
I like them, but would prefer to be sure they will last!
Good luck with your seed challenge

 

I put six New Guinea Busy Lizzies (white) in a Belfast sink on my patio. They cost £5 for the six from B&Q. They have been splendid and are still flowering. You are recommended to keep them watered and fertilized once a week

 

Harry S, must admit, it's difficult to think of an alternative bedding plant that does the same job as a busy lizzy, like Dai says Begonia is good..but not so good in the shade I find.
The New Guinea Busy lizzies are expensive, but if you buy a few plants...so you know the flower colour you are getting, why not take some cuttings later in the summer for the following year? They are actually tender perennials rather than annuals...so you could even try potting a few up and bringing them inside for the winter on a windowsill. Keep them ticking over and chop them back in the Spring, give them a feed and plant out after the frosts....
I haven't done any of this, but I can't see why it wouldn't work!!

If you don't mind not having flowers, try some coleus seed?

 

Agree with daitheplant, they ALWAYS put on a good show. A neighbour opposite has a whole bed at the front of his north facing house, under mostly shade......they're still in full flower even now! I have also used these in pots (most of the space I have available is under shade) under the front door step and in corners.....might get a little tall but doesn't spoil the show

 

Thanks All for the tips I do grow most of the ones mentioned , not tried B. Semervirens must give them a try . I do like the look of the Mimulus , a new one to me , what variety do you have Sheal ?

 

It's a few years since I've grown them and sorry, I can't remember which ones. They are half hardy annuals and will bloom profusely from June until September.

There's a lovely choice of colours and last time I grew the speckled ones, very pretty. Most packets of seeds are mixed colours. If you have a look round the general catalogue sites Thompson&Morgan, Suttons etc., they all have different varieties.

Easy to grow from seed and flower fairly quickly after the plants have developed.

 

Thanks Sheal I will get a packet from T and M in January . Love the common name Monkey Flower ! How do they perform in semi shade ?

 

They'll be fine in semi-shade Harry.