Cut off withered inflorescences
It is true that pruning the bergenia is not absolutely necessary to keep the plant alive. Nevertheless, it is worthwhile to provide this flowering perennial with a cut after its flowering period. The flower stalks that carried the fantastic umbels high up should be cut down. Cut them down to the bottom.
also read
- If the bergenia does not bloom: reasons and prevention
- Bergenie: Which location will you benefit from?
- Care of the bergenia: don't let it be neglected!
Some varieties bloom twice a year. They show their inflorescences a second time in November and until December. You should also remove them after they have withered. If you do not cut off the inflorescences, you will not prevent the fruits from forming with the seeds. This costs a bergenia a lot of strength.
The bergenia has gotten too big
Furthermore, a cut can be useful to stop the growth of the bergenia. This plant grows taller with time. At some point it looks like a big shrub. If you don't like this, cut down the plant. You can take a radical approach without worrying.
Note the following aspects:
- cut down close to the ground (maximum to the rhizomes)
- tolerates pruning extremely well
- after the cut with Complete fertilizer supply to stimulate new growth
- water abundantly
- this cut works like a makeover
- if you are lucky you can experience a flower pile after weeks
Old leaves are removed
It should not be forgotten that old and withered leaves of the bergenia should also be removed. You can just cut them off at the bottom. Unsightly leaves like this occur mainly during and after winter.
A cut can also be made in the root area
On top of that you need pruning tools if you cut the bergenia through rhizome cuttings multiply want. Spring is the best time. Plant the cuttings directly in the bed or grow them in a pot. Don't be surprised if these rhizome pieces are in the first year not bloom.
Tips
You don't need an expensive cutting tool to cut the bergenia. A pair of scissors or a knife will suffice.
