The rose-pink flowers clusters rise on short stout stalks among the foliage in mid-winter through early spring. It is a widely-grown garden plant; cultivars include Bergenia cordifolia 'Purpurea', Bergenia cordifolia 'Winterglut', Bergenia cordifolia 'Senior', and Bergenia crassifolia 'Autumn Red'.
Scientific name: Bergenia crassifolia (L.) Fritsch
Common names: Heart leaved bergenia,Heartleaf bergenia, leather bergenia,Winter blooming bergenia,Elephant ears, Elephant's ears, Siberian Tea
Synonyms: Saxifraga cordifolia, Saxifraga crassifola
Family: Saxifragaceae
Genus: Bergenia
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| source pic: njuskalo.hr |
How to Grow and Care
Bergenia plants are vigorous without being invasive, and will slowly spread to form a ground cover in your partially shady garden. Bergenia plants tolerate a wide spectrum of soil types, light, and moisture, and won't wither when growing conditions aren't perfect.
Light: Bergenia plants are ideal candidates for the shade garden. They thrive in partial shade, but will also tolerate heavy shade. The more sun plants receive, the more moisture they will need.
Soil: Like many plants, bergenia grows well in rich, loamy soil, and will expand to grow large clumps in this situation. Bergenia also grows in clay soils, which you can lighten over time with a top dressing of compost.
Water: Bergenia likes consistent moisture. Help plants keep a moist root zone with a three-inch layer of mulch. Plants growing in deep shade can survive periods of drought better than those growing in a sunny location.
Temperature and Humidity
Bergenia plants grow well in areas with hot or cool summers, as long as they have proper lighting and moisture. Plants do well in humid areas.
Fertilizer: Bergenia plants are light feeders, and don't need any supplemental fertilizer to look their best. Growing bergenia plants in loamy soil amended with organic matter provides all the nutrients they need.
Propagation
Making new bergenia plants is as simple as the process of dividing them. Divide plants in the fall to prevent any disruption to the blooming cycle. Dig up the root ball, and tease apart a clump of bergenia with your fingers, as shown in the photo. Make big divisions with at least five to seven leaves to make an impact in the garden.
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