Dying Busy Lizzies

Definatley plastic next year !!!

I wondered what had happened to mine. I just have a few in a pot, and they all died. Now I know.

We paid about £30 in the spring to fill the front garden and every one of them has died! We had the same problem a couple of years ago but last year was o.k. then I read in Daily Telegraph last Saturday about the powdery mildew was back again and that it looks like the end of BL's. Like other people we will have to think again for next year.

We have Busy Lizzies from different suppliers and there is a real difference in each group. One container is doing fine but the other container has a skeleton of branches and all the leaves have dropped off. This definitely isn't slug damage so it appears that some strains of Buzy Lizzie are more able to resist disease although this doesn't seem to be any kind of mildew.

notsogrand - are you sure they were eaten by slugs? I thought that was my problem until I read about the powdery mildew ( several write-ups online). Busy Lizzies have always flowered for me until the first frost. The recommendation is to remove affected plants and burn if possible, definitely don't put for compost. Pots must be disinfected, open beds not to be re-planted with BLs for 2-3 years.

Me think's plastic one's from poundland that will save on the watering as well

My Busy Lizzies have been eaten by slugs this year. It's the first time it's happened and I'm really annoyed about it. They're usually such a trouble free and reliable source of summer/early autumn colour.

My Busy Lizzies have gone all skeletol as well,do you have to remove them from the tub's and replant with something else,I am not to up on gardening
but this is the third year I have had Lizzies and the first time they have gone all ropey on me,my hanging baskets are glorious and the other bedding
plant's have come on nicely.

The ones in pots in the back garden all died but the ones by the front door (bought at the same time) are flourishing! I love Busy Lizzies - they are so easy - I don't like begonias but it might come to it although the geraniums and petunias have been ok too!

We've had the same problem here. Thought at first it was the wet weather, but it seems as if it's the same story everywhere. Begonias seem to have done well, though.

Its so sad! They are always such a good last minute splash of colour when a gap appears. And they even go well in shade.

I suppose begonias are the only alternative.

Have had the same problem shysal. Don't ususally grow them but a neighbour gave them to me. Will have to have something different next year.