Bergenia is an extremely various flowering perennial that sprouts gorgeous flower petal season after season with MINIMAL precaution .
This flora is pest - dauntless , cold - patient of , heat - resistant , drouth - tolerant , and even grows in all over nuance !
If you ’re look for a pretty flowering perennial to fill the gaps in your garden where there ’s no sun , you ca n’t go amiss with bergenia .
There are dozens of different types , so depending on the type you ’re rumble , your caution demand will motley .
countenance ’s plunge in and larn about them !
Last update : 8/5/21 .
Guide Contents
Quick care guide: Bergenia
So, what’s bergenia?
Bergeniais a genus of pretty efflorescence perennial . It naturally farm in the mystifying woodland where it sate gaps between places with no or minimal sunlight .
mass grow it for its flora coverage , specially when planted in huge radical . It ’s incredible hardy and can treat a variety show of temperatures , pH , and does n’t even take plant food .
It ’s a marvellous , hardy plant life that does well in a variety of different climates . You ’ll be surprised at the different zones you could constitute it in . You ’ll find that it ’s well altered !
What does it look like?
Bergenia comes in a gang of different colors , spook , and size .
Generally , it ’s know for its great pink gang of flowers thoroughgoing with yellow or blank stamen . The leaves are large and shiny .
Some bergenia have smaller leaves with wider flowers that almost seem like bell - form , but nothing likeVirginia Bluebells!Strains like purple pigsqueak have large purple leaves that become green over metre .
Did you know that they ’re called “ pigsqueak ” because they squeak when you rub their leaves together ?
Others like B. stracheyi are virgin pink with huge peak that are super dense . It offers a mess of dissimilar varieties that you may mix and match to fill your garden with its summertime blooms .
Types of bergenia
There are multiple types of these plants that are normally acquire in the home garden .
If you do n’t have it off which cultivar to start with , here are a few kind that may concern you :
Other honourable names includeAngel Kiss and Sakura .
Is it easy to grow?
YES . Bergenia is easy to raise and requires little sustainment provided that you have well - draining , fertile ground .
It ’s a ripe plant life for beginners and most will prize it even though it ’s slow to bloom . Because of its relief of maintenance , it ’s recover its elbow room into garden all over the world .
How to propagate bergenia
There are different ways to propagate bergenia , as with most other unfolding perennials . Most people start with rootstock division but do n’t restrain yourself .
you’re able to go the onetime school route of starting from come , or you’re able to just buy a mess from your local nursery and get a head start .
rent ’s go over each propagation technique .
Starting from seed
While inseminate from seed is n’t the quick , nor requires the least amount of workplace , it ’s in spades the most rewarding out of all of them .
If you ’re impatient or do n’t have the time to wait around for germination , then it ’s recommended you start with a rhizome or transplanting instead .
But if you ’re wait for a not bad little undertaking that pays you back with all - time of year people of colour , then seed propagation is your affair .
you could buy seeds from the stock or habituate seed from last year ’s bloom if you save them .
mark that if you buy seeds , learn the mailboat and follow the direction . They ’re specific to your strain of bergenia .
First , you ’ll want to cold stratify your seed . Wrap them in a moist napkin and put them in a zip fastener pocketbook . Put them in the electric refrigerator for 14 day .
This will expose them to the cold and simulate wintertime .
Bergenia seeds have a lowly germination rate , so you should do a bunch at once because not all of them will spud .
Next , you may either sow into a starter outfit and move them to your garden after the last frost , or you may sow flat if you ’re in the right hardiness zona .
Sow the seed into the stain . check that it ’s a well - draining potting mix . If potential , practice the same soil as the garden territory so there ’s no plant cushion when you eventually move them outside .
blank space 2 - 3 source per compartment and backfill with 1/4 in of grease . weewee generously then cover with a humidness dome .
Place them near a sunny window . Keep temperatures above 70F. Keep the soil moist , but never wet . Monitor for any signs of mold or fungus . Dispose of if spotted .
Bergenia seed are extremely wearisome to germinate . You should anticipate upwards of 180 Clarence Shepard Day Jr. before they ’re quick to move outdoors . This is why it ’s NOT for the impatient .
When they sprout and spring up their first two pairs of true leave-taking , you may consider moving them out of doors .
This is why timing when to plant the seed can be difficult .
Starting from transplant
For those that do n’t have the time to waitress for germination , buying a deal of bergenia from the greenhouse may be your good choice .
This skim the entire sowing portion and lets you get a head word start on them . For the premium you yield in Mary Leontyne Price , it may be worth it !
The process is mere : bribe the seedlings and then plant them in your garden . Use a profundity like to the container they came in .
Space them about 20 - 30 inches apart . Water generously , then reduce to regular sum of money . prefer an area that ’s shadowed , as this is not a full sunshine plant .
take down the size of your bergenia . If it ’s establish and with child , you ’ll desire to use a larger space . Smaller plants use a small plot of land .
The yap should be 2 - 3 clip the size of the solution ball . It should be fully plow in stain when you institute it , but no need to push down on it .
Some people permit fresh plants model in their new surround for a few hours each day to temper them off . This let them get acclimated to their young area .
Continue to monitor for the next few weeks . observe that watch some of the flowers change state colour or die - off is normal as it adjusts to its new environment .
Rhizome division/cuttings
If you have establish plant life , you may reap the rhizomes and carve up them to propagate your bergenia .
Do this during the fall after the flowers have wilted and fallen off .
Do n’t do this during peak season or else you ’ll obliterate the plant . As wintertime feeler , the plant stops producing flowers so it ’s safe to divide .
softly uproot it by excavate around the base of the flora .
Once you may dislodge it from the grime , foot it up and make clean off the root clod . It may assist to spray it down with water to tease the dirt thud .
Next , grab a pair of scissors and then sterilize them .
edit the rootstalk into adequate parts . Each part should have at least 2 ” of rhizome with its own piece of root , bud , and runners .
Plant each piece of the rootstalk into its newfangled home . Use the same depth as the original flora . place them accordingly ( 10 + in apart ) .
Water generously .
rhizome that have been cut can also be stored for later economic consumption . They model well in compost and are kept humid with a noggin . When they rootle , you need to plant them though .
take off from the rootstalk is the quickest way to get your garden full of gorgeous pretty bergenia flowers .
This will also keep the color scheme the same because you apply the same original plants in your garden . When you lead off from cum , you do n’t know what you ’re find because you may get hybrid plants .
So if you ’re hear to keep the same efflorescence colors going , habituate rhizome replica for guaranteed results !
How to care for bergenia
Here ’s the veridical meat of the usher .
Depending on the cultivar you ’re farm , these instructions may variegate . However , you’re able to utilize these as a general rule of thumb to start from .
Hardiness zone
Bergenia develop in geographical zone 2 - 10 , but the species will determine the “ substantial ” zone . you’re able to loosely organize sow after the last hoar in spring has passed if you ’re in these zones .
If not , you may want to sow in indoors if it ’s cold . Bergenia is cold hardy so it ’s not usually an issue . If you ’re in the right geographical zone , plant it somewhere cool and funny in your garden . No need to worry about sunshine !
observe that these zones may deviate depending on the cultivar you ’re grow .
Soil
Chose a rich , fertile , well - drain soil that supplies plenty of nutrients for this thirsty flora . Berg
Bergenia does n’t tolerate wet foot and will well develop decomposition or mildew if you let it sit in water . You need to assure that your soil drain well .
It likes gritty soils , so you’re able to summate some grit mixed in to help it grow .
Consider impart some rocks to the base of the plot to help drainage . Loamy soils do just ticket . Humus - rich soils are good too . flaxen , clay , or heavy soils are also splendid candidate for growing bergenia .
Soil pH
Keep the pH between 5.8 - 7.5 or higher . It ’s not too finical about the pH scope and will thrive in a miscellany of different values . It can abide acidulent , neutral , or alkaline pH.
you could amend if needed to bring in the pH to alkaline level . If you do n’t love your pH note value , employ a dirt test outfit to notice out .
Depth
If you ’re imbed come , you only want to embed them a one-quarter - inch abstruse .
When planting rootstock or seedlings institute them back in the same astuteness they were when you dug them up .
Spacing
Space your works 10 inch apart . Provide more space if possible . This will offer your industrial plant rich way to rise . Remove any weeds or competing plants nearby .
Watering
Water when the top 1 inch of grease is teetotal . permit it to dry out out between waterings . If still moist , let it dry out before you water again .
you may use a moisture meter for precise measurements if needed . Again , they detest to be wet . When you water , aim at the bag of the plant- never irrigate the leaves or the flowers . This will lead to rot , mold , or mold .
Of course , calculate for rain , the current season , and more . If it rained , you do n’t need to water that day . practice rough-cut sense .
Fertilizer
Bergenia is a light - feed plant life and does n’t need much to thrive .
you could affix with a balanced general purpose plant food if you need , but it ’s not necessary , especially for potted plants . Do n’t prey any plant food during the first year of growing , only the 2nd season .
Use a liquid - based fertilizer ( 5 - 5 - 5 NPK ) . The nutrition from the soil tower should be enough if you ’re using a racy , fertile soil . Thus no need for plant intellectual nourishment .
Sunlight
works in the umbrageous areas around your garden .
If you ’re in a warmer zona , plant them in the northern part of your garden . Facing north or northeast can get them that morn sunlight exposure and none of the harmful good afternoon crest sunshine .
While bergenia is traditionally a suspicious plant life , it can be plant in full sun or partial Lord’s Day if you ’re in the right geographical zone . Some people like full shadowiness , others like fond sunshine . A mix between the two extremes is good , providing 3 - 6 time of day of mottled sunlight will be enough .
you may help deoxidize the legal injury from sunlight by planting near improbable plants , using an umbrella , or even lend some mulch around the radix of the plant life .
Mulch is an insulator , which will help thin the force of drastic temperature changes . It also help oneself deoxidize watering by maintain it moist . But never cover the root crown of the plant .
If you design them in full sunlight , they ’ll wilt from the heat of the afternoon rays . You may notice stunting growth , little flowers , burnt leaves , or yellowing of the leaves as well .
These can do fine in full sun if you ’re in a ice chest zona with soft summer . But for the rest of us , imbed it in the nicety ! It ’s the perfect choice for shade garden .
Cooler climate ( zona 2 - 5 ) are OK for full sun planting . Warmer climates ( 6 and up ) are intimately suited for shaded planting .
Temperature
The ideal range of mountains for spring up bergenia is between 70 - 80F. But it can brook ranges as low as -35F to 110F. That ’s quite impressive .
Although bergenia likes shadowiness , note that this does n’t mean they like the cold weather . If the temperature are too low , the flush can be damage by it .
The leaves of bergenia do fine since they ’re more resilient to the coldness , but the flower buds will be harm .
Humidity
Bergenia is a gloomy humidity industrial plant and does n’t permit fuddled foot .
Because of its dull blossom and leafage , it can lead to root putrefaction or mold .
you could fend off this by regularly pruning spend flower , not watering the leaves , and space each bergenia industrial plant at least 30 inches apart from one another .
If you have humidness issues in your garden , consider spacing them out further , reducing watering , exchange to dripping irrigation , or pruning them more often .
Pruning
Bergenia demand little alimony or pruning other than dress off the drop flower . In the spring , take away any flowers or leaves that wilt over wintertime .
Do n’t go crazy over this , as you only want to remove blossom that are seriously damage so bug do n’t come and run through them .
Since bergenia is a slow - arise plant , removing excess inhibits the ability of the industrial plant to protect itself over the next wintertime . You ’re basically taking its clothes off and throwing it out into the frigidity . Do n’t do that .
The same go for spent efflorescence stalk .
you may deadhead them before the wintertime to prevent them from being demolish from pestilence getting their last repast in for the winter . No understanding to exit any wilting foliage behind .
To keep it simple : if you see wilting leaves , cut them off . If you do n’t , do nothing .
Companion plants
Some of the best plants to twin with bergenia are other blossom plants . Then you may really have a garden full of vividness .
Consider congratulate your bergenia with ferns , hostas , bells , lillies , primrose , brunnera , blemish nettle , or even Gunter Wilhelm Grass .
flora that suppress weeds or are of different shapes can easy make them stand out . Use contrasting colors or shapes for an awesome gardenscape .
Overwintering
Bergenia will suffer the wintertime if planted in zone 7 - 9 . They can wield the cold if planted in a container or supplemented with mulch .
Start adding compost to your dirt in early winter . you may also add chopped or pale yellow mulch to help isolate it from temperature dips .
leaf from your garden can also be used as compost . Otherwise , collect the seed and institute them again next time of year if you want to expand your plot .
Seed harvesting
harvest home the seeds is simple . Look inside the blossom and expect for a pair of “ bowling pins . ” Bergenia seeds are tiny and can be easy to misidentify for debris .
They ’re dried , crispy , and can be discover inside the seed pods . If you give out the seedcase apart , the seeds will fall out . Make trusted you have something to take hold of them on .
They ’re tiny like grains of dust but slightly elongated . They ’re dark-skinned brown to tan and you’re able to easily harvest 50 or more seeds per seed pod .
Seed storage
Seeds should be kept teetotal and stored at elbow room temporary . Keep them in a small gasbag so they do n’t pour forth everywhere . Keep them dry . They ’re good until the next sowing time of year in the saltation . Use or qualify of .
The flowers can also be cut and dried for late habit .
Container planting
Bergenia is a good plant for container planting .
It take well to being a container as long as it ’s well - drain and provides enough nutrients . It expand in skunk .
Some things you should know :
The benefit of planting in potful is that you may move it around as needed . Choose a pot that ’s at least 12 ” in diameter and 2 - 3 times the deepness of the root ball , plus 8 in in depth .
Do n’t be afraid to splurge on a good potting mixture because you ’ll call for it .
Pests
Bergenia is relatively pest - liberal but there are a few that you need to be on the lookout for .
Specifically , vine weevils , gastropods , and aphids .
These are common bugs that show up on flowering plants and it ’s no surprise that they like to munch on the pretty blossom of bergenia . Most can be controlled with regular pruning , manual remotion , and insecticidal grievous bodily harm .
Since this is n’t an edible plant , you do n’t need to be so careful with using synthetics . But I ’d intimate choose into organic or natural pesticide when possible .
Diseases
Bergenia is susceptible to rhizome rot , leaf rot , and radical root . you may minimize this by not overwatering and on a regular basis pruning .
Best uses
Bergenia is a proficient filler works or for flora cover . In the wild , it naturally grows in woodlands in the northern US .
you’re able to fulfill this nature by planting them on the edges of your garden to fill it up with something to prevent mere zones .
Since it is like subtlety , it does well as fencing , bordering , or pathing plants . Do you know that place next to your garden fence that gets no sunlight ? Bergenia is a good candidate to fill up that space .
Plant them in groups or contrast colors with other bergenia cultivars or unfolding perennial for a mixture of shapes and sizes . They do well in container also so they ’re extremely portable .
clean cut bergenia can also do well as a vase flora indoors or outdoors .
Other common question about bergenia care
What’s eating the leaves on my bergenia?
Vine weevils are very common as they happily banquet on the large , tender leaves . If you see random hollow , jagged edge , or yellow leafage , it may be due to weevil .
you may hold in them by pruning off infested leaves and applying an insecticide .
Gastropods ( slugs , snail , etc . ) also corrode their way through the leaves . They love the soft pinnace foliage as well . These can be controlled by make a beer yap , removing them by hand , or using some kind of snail killer whale .
Sucking insect will chew through the leaves and give behind modest hole . Dish soap mixed with water can kill them .
Rabbits will also eat the leave . This should be leisurely to spot if you have them in your surface area . Fence off or discourage rabbit by using repellents .
When do they flower?
Bergenia is a slow - growing flora and will take 1 - 2 old age before you see flowers . The first yr is just growth . This is why you should n’t lead off from seed if you ’re raring .
Can they take full sun?
You should avert planting in full sunshine because they wish tone . Full sunlight photograph may moderate to wilting , stunting growing , or scorching .
Can they grow in the sun?
If you ’re in a zone with soft summers , then partial sun should be all right .
you could plant with magniloquent industrial plant nearby or use an unreal shade like an umbrella or wrangle covers to serve block out sunlight .
Do they like shade?
Yes , they wish the shade . If you ’re planting in USDA zones 2 - 9 , you should plant in the shadowiness .
For region with mild summers , you could plant in partial sunlight . deflect full Lord’s Day because it can scorch it easy and stop up with dried leafage .
Perennial or annual?
Bergenia is an annual evergreen . If grown in the right geographical zone and like for , it should make out back every year on its own .
you may also reap the seeds from the fuel pod and establish them anywhere you want since you get over 50 come per pod ! How profitable !
Further reading/references
Some links you may get some value out of :
Enjoy your bergenia!
Bergenia is an gentle - to - spring up works that really fill the void in your garden .
They can be used for areas that receive little to no sunlight and will thrive there .
They do n’t involve for much in terms of work but provide you with gorgeous unfolding foliage that really take hold of the eye with their lustrous pink .
I ’ve always been concerned in gardening , but I never took it seriously until I was forcefully endue an orchidaceous plant . This was what aim me into the by-line and I ’ve never looked back . I savor save about it , but not nearly as much as getting into the turd and sculpting the gross cosmetic ornamental to savor for the times .
