HOW TO PLANT BERGENIAS
- Choose a position in partial shade for best results but they truly are adaptable shrubs for shade and full sun. ...
- This is a strong growing plant in good conditions. ...
- It can be planted all year long if the soil is not frozen and you can water well when conditions are dry. ...
- Dig a hole twice the width of the rootball. ...
How to grow Bergenia plants?
How to Grow Bergenia Plants Botanical Name Bergenia cordifolia Soil pH Slightly acidic to neutral (5.8 to 7.0) Bloom Time April and May Flower Color Pink, red, white Hardiness Zones 4 to 8 (USDA) 7 more rows ...
How do you revive a Bergenia plant?
In late spring, after the flowers have died off, dig up the bergenia and cut apart the rhizomes. A cutting clones the parent plant, allowing you to grow a new plant with all the same characteristics as the one you took the cutting from.
What is the best fertilizer for Bergenia cordifolia?
Bergenia plants are light feeders and do not need supplemental fertilizer to look their best. Growing bergenia plants in loamy soil amended with organic matter provides all the nutrients they need. B. Cordifolia 'Winter Glow' has red stems and nodding pink flowers and grows to 12 to 16 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide.
How do I know when my Bergenia is blooming?
Watch for flowers in the early spring. Bergenia will grow a spike from 12 to 16 inches (30-41 cm.) tall, and the tiny, bell-shaped blooms will cover the spikes in pink, white or purple flowers. These flowers remain for a number of weeks, then begin to die off.
Is bergenia easy to grow?
Bergenias are low maintenance, drought-resistant and do well in a wide range of soils, including poor, dry soils and clay. They also grow well in sun or shade.
How fast does bergenia spread?
Quick Reference Growing GuidePlant Type:Flowering perennial.Flower / Foliage Color:Spread:1-4 feetUses:Growth Rate:SlowFamily:Water Needs:ModerateGenus:Common Pests and diseases:Black vine weevil, slugs, snails; anthracnose, crown rotSpecies:7 more rows•Jul 7, 2021
How tall does bergenia grow?
Low maintenance, Bergenia cordifolia is primarily grown as a ground cover and looks stunning in mass plantings. Grows up to 12-18 in. tall and wide (30-45 cm).
How do I divide bergenia UK?
Using a clean, sharp spade, dig widely around the plant's crown to make sure you get all the roots. Once you have lifted the root ball out, remove excess soil. Thick, rhizomatous roots will then be exposed. With a clean sharp knife, you can create bergenia divisions by cutting apart sections of these rhizomes.
Where should I plant Bergenias?
Growing Bergenia loves shade and dappled sunlight, so choose a darker corner of the yard or a bed up against the house that rarely gets full sunlight. Plant them 12 to 18 inches (30-46 cm.) apart early in the spring to fill the area without crowding them out.
Do you cut back bergenia?
Bergenias don't require pruning, but you can remove any damaged or blackened leaves and faded flower stems with a sharp knife or secateurs to improve the look of plants at any time of year.
What plant goes well with bergenia?
I like to plant Bergenias with low growing perennials that produce totally different shaped leaves to that of the Bergenia. This includes the silver leaved Stachys byzantina and Centaureas, and hardy geraniums with deeply divided leaves like G. 'Rozanne' or G.
How long do bergenia blooms last?
The best time to plant and divide bergenia is in the spring. It grows to full maturity in two to five years....How to Grow and Care for Bergenia Plants.Common NamePig squeak, heartleaf bergenia, elephant's earsMature Size1-2 ft. tall, 1-2 ft. wideSun ExposurePartial, ShadeSoil TypeMoist, loamy, clay8 more rows•Jul 21, 2022
Why is my bergenia dying?
While it can tolerant dry soil, it cannot tolerate extreme heat, intense afternoon sun, drought, or waterlogged soil. One of the most common bergenia issues is simply being planted in the wrong site with one or more of these environmental factors causing damage.
Does bergenia like sun or shade?
Bergenia tolerates a wide range of lighting conditions, but part shade to full shade suit it best. Although this evergreen perennial grows well in average, well-drained soil, moist humus-rich soil provides maximum growth and bloom power.
What is eating my bergenia leaves?
Slugs and snails are slimy pests that can easily eat their way through bergenia leaves in nothing flat. Confirm they've invaded your flower bed by the jagged holes they chew in the leaves and the silvery trails they leave behind.
Is bergenia toxic to cats?
All parts of the plant are toxic, including the berries. Bergenia sp., elephant's ear - drooling, pawing at the mouth, inappetence and vomiting.
Does bergenia like sun or shade?
Bergenia tolerates a wide range of lighting conditions, but part shade to full shade suit it best. Although this evergreen perennial grows well in average, well-drained soil, moist humus-rich soil provides maximum growth and bloom power.
Is bergenia toxic to cats?
All parts of the plant are toxic, including the berries. Bergenia sp., elephant's ear - drooling, pawing at the mouth, inappetence and vomiting.
Is bergenia a frost hardy?
Are bergenia hardy? In general, bergenia are hardy and evergreen. Bergenia cordifolia can even tolerate temperatures as low as -35 °C. However, frost damage may occur on some leaves.
Can bergenia grow in sun?
Bergenias Bergenia Hardy bergenias create a low-water ground cover in sun or shade (think of them as an alternative to hostas). They will thrive in sun or shade and some varieties will reward you with deep purple-red leaves in winter.
How to propagate Bergenias?
Bergenias spread via rhizomes (underground stems). You can propagate them easily by dividing the rhizomes. This is best done in spring (after flowering) or in autumn. Dig up the whole clump, discard the old woody centre and cut the remaining rhizomes into several sections, making sure each one has at least one leaf attached. Replant where you would like them to grow, or plant into pots of multi-purpose compost to give away.
How to keep bergenias healthy?
Encourage the bergenia leaves to grow as large as possible by mulching annually with well-rotted compost or manure. Remove tatty leaves and faded flower heads to keep plants looking good. Thin out clumps every few years to keep them healthy.
What is the color of Bergenia cordifolia?
Bergenia cordifolia ‘Purpurea’ – a large variety with red-flushed foliage that turns rich purple in winter. Cerise pink flowers in spring.
What is the name of the evergreen shrub that turns into a claret in winter?
Bergenia ‘Dragonfly Angel Kiss’ – neat clumps of small, glossy evergreen leaves that turns claret in winter. In spring, the white flowers age to pale pink.
What is a Bergenia flower?
Bergenia ‘Silberlicht’ – white flowers that turn pink as they age, on red-flushed stems.
What is Bergenia abendglut?
Bergenia ‘Abendglut’ – a classic variety that bears magenta flowers in spring. The dark-green leaves turn maroon in winter.
What is a good plant for a border?
Bergenias are a great choice for the front of the border, where their bold, rounded foliage contrasts well with plants that have contrasting, finely textured leaves, such as ferns. They also look good in a jungle-style or exotic planting scheme and can be grown in gravel gardens – they’re a key part of Beth Chatto’s legendary Dry Garden in Essex.
How to grow Bergenia in a pot?
Combine bergenia with other pretty foliage choices, like coral bells and Japanese painted fern. Bergenia plants will grow in any commercial potting soil in a pot with a diameter of at least 12 inches. Repot your plants in the spring after flowering, and divide as needed to keep plants from becoming overcrowded.
How long does it take for a Bergenia plant to grow?
Keep the soil moist and warm while waiting for germination, which can take four to six weeks.
What is the largest bergenia?
Its blooms are white to light pink. B. cordifolia 'Ballawley' may be the largest bergenia available, growing to 24 inches tall and 18 inches wide. It features rose-red flowers and red stems. B. cordifolia 'Solar Flare' is prized for its variegated leaves of green edged with yellow.
How to keep Bergenia plants moist?
Bergenia likes consistent moisture. Help plants keep a moist root zone with a 3-inch layer of mulch. Plants growing in deep shade can survive periods of drought better than those growing in a sunny location.
Do Bergenia plants need fertilizer?
Bergenia plants are light feeders and do not need supplemental fertilizer to look their best. Growing bergenia plants in loamy soil amended with organic matter provides all the nutrients they need.
Is Bergenia invasive?
Bergenia plants are vigorous without being invasive and will slowly spread to form a ground cover in your fully or partially shady garden. They tolerate a broad spectrum of soil types, light, and moisture and won't wither when growing conditions aren't perfect.
Do Bergenia plants grow in hot or cold climates?
Bergenia plants grow well in areas with hot or cool summers, as long as they have proper light and moisture. They also do well in humid areas. Winter damage is more extensive in colder climates.
Where does Bergenia grow?
Bergenia is a good filler plant or for plant cover. In the wild, it naturally grows in woodlands in the northern US.
How to harvest Bergenia seeds?
Harvesting the seeds is simple. Look inside the flowers and look for a pair of “bowling pins.” Bergenia seeds are tiny and can be easy to mistake for debris.
How long does it take for a Bergenia to grow?
Bergenia is a slow-growing plant and will take 1-2 years before you see flowers. The first year is just growth. This is why you shouldn’t start from seed if you’re impatient.
When to direct sow Bergenia?
Bergenia grows in zones 2-10, but the species will determine the “real” zone. You can generally direct sow after the last frost in spring has passed if you’re in these zones.
Why do people grow a sage plant?
People grow it for its plant coverage, especially when planted in huge groups. It’s incredible hardy and can handle a variety of temperatures, pH, and doesn’t even need plant food.
Is Bergenia a good plant for container planting?
Bergenia is a good plant for container planting.
Is Bergenia a light feeding plant?
Bergenia is a light-feeding plant and doesn’t need much to thrive.
How tall do Bergenia plants grow?
Watch for flowers in the early spring. Bergenia will grow a spike from 12 to 16 inches (30-41 cm.) tall, and the tiny, bell-shaped blooms will cover the spikes in pink, white or purple flowers. These flowers remain for a number of weeks, then begin to die off. Deadhead the spent blooms by snipping off the spikes once the flowers brown and begin to fall off.
What is a bergenia plant?
Bergenia, also known as pigsqueak for the sound it makes when two leaves are rubbed together, fills that shady or dappled spot in your garden where so many flowers shy away. Bergenia plant care takes very little time, as these are low-maintenance plants. Learn how to care for a bergenia plant and brighten up your shady landscape corners.
Does Bergenia like shade?
Growing Bergenia loves shade and dappled sunlight, so choose a darker corner of the yard or a bed up against the house that rarely gets full sunlight.
How to propagate bergenia?
The best method of propagating bergenia is by taking divisions of existing plants, and many nurseries carry live plants ready for transplanting into the garden as well.
Where is Bergenia grown?
Bergenia plants are very popular in Europe and have been cultivated there for hundreds of years.
What Is Bergenia?
Bergenia is a genus of 10 species of flowering perennials from central Asia and Siberia.
Why do my Bergenia leaves have spots?
Bergenia can suffer from fungal infections that cause spots on the leaves. In this case, the particular fungi involved ( Colletotrichum spp.) are nasty ones that cause the dreaded anthracnose.
Where does heartleaf bergenia come from?
There are a number of varieties of this plant, many of which originally hail from Siberia.
What zone does hairy bergenia grow in?
Also known as frilly or hairy bergenia, this native of Tibet and Afghanistan can grow in Zones 5 to 9, and can withstand frost in the cooler parts of this suggested range.
How do mature plants spread?
Spreading via rhizomes, or underground stems, mature plants can become too dense in the middle over time.
How to propagate Bergenia?
Propagating Bergenias by Seed. Plant bergenia seeds indoors, in trays filled with seed starting mix, three to six weeks before the last average frost date in your area. Press the seeds into the soil, but don’t cover them; bergenia seeds require light to germinate. Keep the trays in bright light.
How long does it take for a Bergenia to germinate?
Water as needed to keep the potting soil moist, but never soggy. Watch for the seeds to germinate in three to six weeks. Plant the bergenia seedlings outdoors when you’re sure all danger of frost has passed. Bergenia thrives in full sun, however, afternoon shade is best in hot climates.
How to divide bergenia?
Divide bergenia after flowering in spring. Separate a long rhizome from the plant with a sharp knife, being sure each division has a rosette, several healthy roots, and a rhizome measuring at least 6 inches (15 cm.) in length.
When to harvest bergenia seeds?
Note: You can also harvest seeds from bergenia plants in fall. Store them in a dry, cool location for planting in spring.
When does bergenia bloom?
No matter what you call it, bergenia is an attractive, low-growing perennial with showy clusters of pink or brilliant flowers that bloom in spring. Growing new bergenia from a mature plant isn’t difficult, or you can choose to attempt bergenia propagation by planting seeds.
Growing guide
All the information you’ll need to grow and care for bergenias in your garden.
Bergenias we recommend
The RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM) helps gardeners choose the best plants for their garden.
How to propagate Bergenia?
Propagate bergenia from divisions, cuttings or seeds. Dividing is the preferred method for propagating bergenia. The plant requires division every three to five years, otherwise it becomes overgrown. Bergenia grows from a swollen root structure called a rhizomes.
What is the preferred method for propagating bergenia?
Dividing is the preferred method for propagating bergenia.
How to grow a sage cutting?
Plant the cuttings in a pot of moistened soil immediately and keep them indoors in a warm, well-lit area. Within a week or two, the cutting grows new shoots and can be planted in the garden after the last spring frost.
When does bergenia bloom?
The large heart-shaped leaves are evergreen, providing colour in the garden year-round. It flowers in spring and early summer, while the foliage turns red or bronze in autumn and winter.
Does Bergenia produce plants?
Seeds. Bergenia seeds rarely produce plants true to the parent they are harvested from, and they also have a low rate of viability. When choosing seed propagation, purchase the seeds from a reputable seed supplier to ensure the highest quality possible.
