If the evergreen bergenia is integrated into the garden design, dreary corners in poorly lit to shady locations are a thing of the past. Instead, the perennial sets eye-catching accents with an enchanting spring bloom. The rest of the year, the mighty decorative leaves are staged in wonderful, shiny metallic color nuances. How to properly cultivate the floral all-rounder is no longer hidden from you here.
Plant bergenia correctly
Planting time begins when the leaves fall in autumn Bergenia. Professional soil preparation is now important so that the ornamental perennial can take root quickly and bloom for the first time next spring. In a sunny, semi-shady or shady location, loosen the soil into fine crumbs and add leaf soil, compost, horn shavings and some expanded clay. The planting pit should be 1.5 times larger than the root ball. This is placed in water before stuffing until no more air bubbles rise. If you put the winding root in the ground, the previous planting depth is preserved as far as possible. Finally, pour generously and mulch with leaf or bark mulch.
care tips
You will do a good job of caring for Bergenia if you take the following measures to heart:
- Water the perennial repeatedly with rainwater and tap water in summer drought
- Monthly from March to August fertilize with compost, plant manure, guano granules or bark humus
- Fertilize pot bergenia liquid every 2 weeks
- Cut out wilted flower stalks and unsightly leaves
- Cut back the ornamental perennial close to the ground, preferably in late winter
- In the case of delayed ground frosts, the flowers with garden fleece or protect foil
Winter protection is only advisable for bergenia in the year of planting and in the pot. The root disk is covered with autumn leaves or needle brushwood. Planters are covered with weather-resistant fabric or bubble wrap.
Continue reading
Which location is suitable?
The rumor persists that Bergenia may only stand in the shadows. The German Queen of Bergenia, Rosemarie Eskuche, repeatedly pointed out that dextrose grows best in sunny to partially shaded locations. The vitality of the flower and leaf ornamental plant only suffers under the blazing sun. While other perennials lose their beauty in poor places, the Bergenia their floral radiance.
Continue reading
The right planting distance
As a Bergenia expands considerably over the years, we recommend a planting distance of 35-40 cm for common types and varieties. If the ornamental perennial acts as a ground cover, place 6-8 plants per square meter. An exception are the dwarf varieties, which are arranged at a distance of 25-30 cm from each other.
What soil does the plant need?
The Bergenia finds ideal conditions in nutrient-rich, humus-rich soil. It likes to stretch out its roots in fresh, moist to moderately dry soil. Wherever neither waterlogging nor desert-like drought dominate, the ornamental leaf plant will remain loyal to you. That goes for the rock garden and that perennial bed as well as for the edge of your private water world.
When is flowering time?
From April to May, the colorful flowers are enthroned on fleshy stems above the basal leaf rosettes. Newer breeds have the potential for an autumn rebloom. Therefore, cut off the withered flower stalks to make room for new shoots. A well-measured portion of compost after this pruning will give additional energy to the second bloom.
Properly cut Bergenia
Lovingly cared for, the Bergenia takes on enormous dimensions. Repeated trimming is essential to maintain a neat appearance and to keep volume under control when needed. How to do it right:
- Cut off wilted flower stalks before the sapping seed growth begins
- Cut or pluck individual yellowed or withered leaves from the clump
- In January/February, cut off the entire perennial close to the ground
The strong flower stalks and shapely decorative leaves are also wonderfully suited for long-lasting vase decoration.
Continue reading
Water Bergenia
The fleshy flower stalks and succulent heart leaves belie the fact that the Bergenia amazingly tolerant of short-term drought as long as that condition lasts exception remains. Ideally, you should always water the perennial when the thumb test indicates dried soil. A change between soft rainwater and normal tap water meets the requirements in an exemplary manner.
Fertilize Bergenia properly
To fertilize the Bergenia organically, add compost, horn shavings, guano, bark humus or nettle manure on the root disk. Cultivated in tubs, the need for nutrients increases because supplies are used up more quickly. In this case, administer a liquid fertilizer every 14 days during the period mentioned. Alternatively, press release fertilizer sticks into the substrate according to the manufacturer's instructions.
hibernate
An adult Bergenia takes normal winter weather with temperatures down to -28.4 degrees Celsius. It becomes problematic for the ornamental perennial when there is no snow in the freezing cold. In addition, early flowering is always threatened by delayed ground frosts. The following measures must therefore be observed:
- In the year of planting, cover the root ball with autumn leaves and needle brushwood
- If there is a threat of ground frost during the flowering period, put a fleece or foil over it
- Water the plants on mild days when there is a frost
Every winter, planters are covered with jute ribbons, bubble wrap or fleece. Unless the bucket is on one anyway plant trolley stand, slide a block of wood underneath.
propagate bergenia
In many a hobby gardener, the passion for collecting awakens once the numerous advantages of Bergenia are known. Good to know that there are no hurdles to overcome for the offspring. The following methods have proven their worth:
- Division of the rhizome ball in autumn or spring
- Cut off runners to root them as 5 cm long root cuttings in the pot
- sowing the seed on the windowsill
While direct sowing will most likely give you a headache, sowing behind glass is uncomplicated. Scattered on seed soil or peat sand, germination progresses quickly at 20-23 degrees Celsius and even moisture.
Continue reading
Is Bergenia poisonous?
If there are children and pets in your garden, the Bergenia is the ideal plant. Since the majestic ornamental perennial has no toxic ingredients, it can be cultivated in the family garden with a clear conscience.
Continue reading
Beautiful varieties
- Oeschberg: Premium variety with dark red, shiny decorative leaves under pink flowers and the potential for second flowering
- Bressingham White: Boasts white and pink flowers, red-green heart leaves and bronze fall foliage
- Baby Doll: Magnificent dwarf variety that sets picturesque accents in small gardens all year round; Growth height 25-30 cm
- Admiral: Magnificent Bergenia with pink flowers on dark red stems and upright leaves that turn red in winter
- Evening Bells: Elegant hybrid with exceptional, dark red bell-shaped flowers over fresh green heart petals
