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.
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.
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.
Bergenia Species and Varieties
Popular species such as B. Ciliata ‘Wilton’. B. cordifolia ‘Bressingham White’ or elephants ears and B. cordifolia ‘Rotblum’ are all 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.
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