Impatiens tinctoria, commonly known as Dyers Busy Lizzie, is a deciduous perennial herb native to the Afromontane regions, including forests, grasslands, and scrublands in East Africa, particularly Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It can reach a height of 2 meters (6.6 feet) or more, growing from large underground tubers. The plant features deeply-veined, elliptic, slightly toothed leaves and produces large, showy 6 cm (2.4 in) hooded white flowers with deep crimson splashes in the centers. These flowers, which are scented like gardenias, hang from short stems and bloom in summer and autumn. Each flower bears a distinctive curved red spur at the back, up to 13 cm (5 in) long.

Dyers Busy Lizzie is appreciated for its striking flowers and gardenia-like fragrance, making it a unique addition to tropical and subtropical gardens. It is often used in sheltered border plantings or as a specimen in conservatories. While it tolerates short cold spells down to −5 °C (23 °F), it requires protection such as a mulch layer in winter. For optimal growth, it should be placed in part shade and provided with medium water and well-drained soil. The succulent nature of its stems and leaves allows it to withstand periods of drought, but it thrives in humid conditions that mimic its native habitat. Gardeners should be aware that it may require protection from frost and is best suited to USDA hardiness zones 9-11.CC BY-SA 4.0