Propagating Bergenias Making new bergenia plants is as simple as the process of dividing them. Divide plants in the fall to prevent any disruption to the blooming cycle.
How do you propagate Bergenia?
Bergenia propagation can be achieved through division of mature plants or by planting seeds. 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.
How do you care for a Bergenia plant?
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. Bergenia plants grow well in areas with hot or cool summers, as long as they have proper light and moisture.
How big does Bergenia cordifolia get?
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. B. cordifolia 'Bressingham White' can light up a moon garden with clusters of white blooms.
How do you take cuttings from bergenia?
Propagating bergenia 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.
Does bergenia multiply?
They have fleshy, underground root stems called rhizomes, which self-propagate over time. Therefore, you must dig up and divide bergenias approximately every three to four years to keep the garden tidy and prevent overcrowding (which causes bergenias to bloom and grow less).
Is bergenia easy to grow from seed?
For a pretty green groundcover that is tough, spreads readily to fill in empty spaces, and produces spring flowers, it's tough to beat bergenia. Bergenia seed propagation is easy, so save your money and skip the transplants.
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
Do bergenias spread?
Plant size Bergenias form low leafy clumps, generally 30cm (1ft) high, slowly spreading to about 60cm (2ft) wide over time.
When should I prune bergenia?
Remove any dead, brown leaves you find through the summer as part of your Bergenia plant care, but don't chop off the plant in the fall. Bergenia needs these leaves as food to survive through the winter, and many of them are evergreen. In the spring, search for dead leaves and remove them at that time.
How do you germinate bergenia seeds?
Plant Bergenia Seeds: Sow seeds in cell packs or flats, press into soil but do not cover. Needs light to germinate. Kept at 70-75°F., germination is uneven over a period of 3-6 weeks.
Is bergenia a bulb?
Bergenia usually blooms early, along with bulb species like tulips. This plant is native to China, and a few species to other parts of Asia.
When can I move bergenia?
springDividing and/or moving bergenia should be done in spring. However, it is sometimes necessary to move plants during other times of the year. If you absolutely have to transplant and divide bergenia in the summer months, it is best to do it on a cool, cloudy day to reduce the risk of transplant shock.
How do you fertilize bergenia?
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.
Can bergenia grow in full 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 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 flowers last?
Bergenias (also known as Elephant's Ears or pigsqueak) are evergreen, ground cover perennials (live longer than two years) which normally grow to a height of 50cm / 18in high.
Is bergenia a bulb?
Bergenia usually blooms early, along with bulb species like tulips. This plant is native to China, and a few species to other parts of Asia.
Why is my bergenia dying?
In areas with intense afternoon sun, bergenia may experience sunscald. Sunscald can cause foliage to turn yellow and wilt or dry up, turn brown, and become crumbly. It is recommended that bergenia be planted in a location with afternoon shade and regular waterings if you suspect heat, sun, or drought to be the problem.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
What is the name of the plant that produces a heart-shaped leaf?
Bergenia Propagation Methods: A Guide To Bergenia Reproduction. Bergenia is also known as heart-leaf bergenia or pigsqueak, thanks to the high-pitched sound that results when two heart-shaped leaves are rubbed together.
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 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.
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 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 flowers can light up a moon garden?
B. cordifolia 'Bressingham White' can light up a moon garden with clusters of white blooms. It grows to the nearly same size as 'Winter Glow,' if a little bit shorter.
Can Bergenia be grown in shade?
Bergenia plants are ideal candidates for the shade garden. They thrive in partial shade but will also tolerate heavy shade. But, of course, the more sun plants receive, the more moisture they will need.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
What is a cutting in a plant?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 name of the plant with purple leaves?
Bergenia ‘Purpurea’ – with purple foliage all year round and pink flowers in late winter and spring. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM) Bergenia ‘Wilton’ – native to the Himalayas, with unusual large green, furry leaves.
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.
How to make a bergenia?
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 division s by cutting apart sections of these rhizomes.
How long does a perennial bergenia bloom?
The perennial bergenia may bloom and grow beautifully for several years , then suddenly stop performing.
Do shade trees need to be transplanted?
Unfortunately, sometimes shade trees do need to come down and the plants that relied on their shade, such as bergenia, need to be transplanted. Bergenia will also suffer if the site suddenly becomes more consistently damp.
Is Bergenia a perennial?
Bergenia is a perennial for shade to part shade in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 9. It thrives in dry shady locations where many other plants simply cannot grow. However, if their site suddenly becomes less shady, for example, if large shade trees have been removed, bergenia plants can quickly fry and die out.
Can you move bergenia plants?
However, it is sometimes necessary to move plants during other times of the year. If you absolutely have to transplant and divide bergenia in the summer months, it is best to do it on a cool, cloudy day to reduce the risk of transplant shock.
Is Bergenia a good groundcover?
Bergenia makes excellent low growing borders or groundcovers for dry, shade gardens. Though they like things a bit on the drier side, you will need to water new transplants well and regularly as they get established. Printer Friendly Version. This article was last updated on 03/01/21. Read more about Bergenia.
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 tall is B. cordifolia?
B. cordifolia is a vigorous perennial forming a spreading clump of rounded, slightly wavy leaves to 30cm long, often tinged purple in winter; erect red stems to 60cm tall carry sprays of deep pink flowers in early spring
What does a sage plant do for bees?
This plant will provide nectar and pollen for bees and the many other types of pollinating insects.
Is Bergenia a perennial?
Bergenia are evergreen rhizomatous perennials with leathery, rounded leaves and dense, erect clusters of bell-shaped pink or white flowers in spring
How to grow bergenias in a garden?
Dig up the clump of bergenias. They are planted just below the soil’s surface and grow several inches deep. Use a garden fork or trowel and be careful not to cut through the roots. Bergenia are perennials that every spring adorn the garden with bell-shaped flowers that grow atop purple or red stems. Therefore, you must dig up and divide bergenias ...
How to keep heartleaf bergenia from slugs?
Feed heartleaf bergenia with a shovelful of compost in early winter. Spread the compost evenly around the base of the plant . Set out baits and traps for snails and slugs in late winter. Heartleaf bergenia attracts these pests, and early preparation can help prevent leaf damage.
What is a Bergenia?
Bergenia are perennials that every spring adorn the garden with bell-shaped flowers that grow atop purple or red stems. They have fleshy, underground root stems called rhizomes, which self-propagate over time.
What is a perennial that grows on purple stems?
Bergenia are perennials that every spring adorn the garden with bell-shaped flowers that grow atop purple or red stems.
