Best known for Bergenia cordifolia these tough perennials are suitable for use as a ground cover plant, or in the rock garden.
We have all seen the pink forms however these plants offer a little more with Bergenia cordifolia ‘winterglut’ being red flowering. This along with other species such as Bergenia ciliata also known as the Winter Bergenia make wonderful additions to the shade garden
Preferring a humus rich well drained soil, if planted in heavy shade they will end up with lots of large leathery heart shaped hairy leaves or foliage, the more sun the more pink flowers and less leaves.
Bergenia can do well as a border plant. B. cordifolia ‘Bressingham White’ or elephants ears has pure white flowers. B. cordifolia ‘Rotblum’ has dark pink flowers. These plants are great fillers in a semi shaded spot, very reliable.
Where to Grow Bergenia
Bergenia grow well in grow well in a moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil, however they will cope with a range of soil conditions and once established will survive in fairly dry soils if given a little shade.
So grow them in sun or shade, dappled or partial shade works well as does good morning sun and afternoon shade.
If its flowers you are after, then you will need good morning sun as a minimum, but avoid that hot afternoon sun.
If you are happy with large lush foliage and fewer flowers then shade works best. And if it foliage you are after look Bergenia cordifolia Ballawley its a winner, clump-forming evergreen perennial larger leaves than mostin the genus and the added attraction of rosy/crimson spring flowers
For the best of both worlds, flowers and foliage try early morning sun and light dappled shade for the rest of the day.
How To Grow Bergenia – Basic Care
Plant all species in semi shade to full sun for best results, they are not that fussy about soil types.
Once established they are reasonably drought tolerant and require very little care.
Fertilise in spring and again in early autumn with a general purpose fertiliser.
The more sun the better the flowers, however foliage will suffer a little in full sun in warmer climates.
Ongoing Care
Bergenia do nor need regular pruning, just any dead or damaged stems.You can clean up the old foliage in spring before new growth begins and this is a great time to fertilise them as well.
Over time clumps can become a little tired and thin in the centre, if this is the case, dig and remove the unhealthy older and woody plant, renew the soil with compost and plant some of the newer offsets to fill in the gap.
The best time to transplant in in early spring, this gives your Bergen a chance to establish a good root system before summer.
Top dressing for better growth.
Every few years give the plants a good clean u, removing all of the old damaged foliage and cleaning up around the stems.
Add a some well rotted compost, leaf mould, or other organic material around the stems or rhizomes without covering them.
Bergenia Species and Varieties
Popular species such as
- B. Ciliata ‘Wilton’.
- B. cordifolia ‘Bressingham White’ or elephants ears.
- B. cordifolia ‘Rotblum’ are great woodland plants.
- Bergenia x schmidtii is another cultivar worth considering.
- B. ‘abdenglut’ has brilliant electric pink flowers with foliage that turns toward a deep purple in winter, a brilliant addition.
- B. cordifolia Ballawley, Large foliage and brilliant flowers.
Bergenia are available for sale from the following nurseries
125 Palmer Rd Jindivick 3818
Open Thursday - Sunday 10am - 4pm
Specialising in growing and selling Rare and Unusual Trees, shrubs Perennials Bulbs and Climbers, a unique nursery with amazing stock.
www.muskersbroughtonhall.com.au
www.planterspatch.com.au
412 James Lane, Fern Hill VIC. 3458 - Phone 0419002651
Large range of Rare plants, Climbers, Bulbs, Perennials Fruit Trees, Ornamental Trees and Shrubs. Available both Retail and by Mail Order
www.whitehousenursery.com.au
PO Box 7040 Leura NSW 2780
Rare woodland plants, Trilliums Epimediums, Arisaemas, plus much more.www.lynnsrareplants.com.au
52 Rodd St Canowindra NSW 2804
An online nursery specialising in drought and frost tolerant perennials and fragrant, edible and herbs.
www.perennialle.com.au
'Umbango' 750 Humula Rd, Humula NSW 2652
Phone 0408692773 Great Range of Perennial plants available for sale by mail order.
www.nutshellnursery.com.au
470 Monbulk-Silvan Road Monbulk VIC 3793
"Guaranteed mail order flowering bulbs, perennials, roses, trees, landscaping plants, garden accessories and community fundraising Austra lia-wide."
www.gardenexpress.com.au