Bergenia spp.
As a plant enthusiast, I know firsthand the feeling of falling in love with a new plant just by looking at its picture. Bergenia is one such plant that captures my attention with its gorgeous flowers and leaves.
It’s important to note that bergenia grows best in cooler climates, typically in Zones 4 to 6. However, some varieties can thrive in warmer locations up to Zone 9.
Despite being less popular in the US compared to English gardens, bergenia boasts numerous positive qualities, including its resilience. These plants are nearly impossible to kill, making them a great addition to any garden.
To assist you in finding relevant products, we include links to vendors. By making a purchase through one of our links, we may receive a commission. A low-maintenance plant may just be what your garden needs, and the bergenia could be the perfect choice. With options for red, white, and purple blooms, you’re sure to find a color that suits your preferences. In this guide, we’ll cover all you need to know about growing these easy-going plants that can tolerate almost anything except overwatering. You’ll discover information on bergenia’s background, cultivation, propagation, growing tips, maintenance, species selection, pest management, and best uses. Bergenia is a genus of ten flowering perennials native to central Asia and Siberia, where temperatures can range from subfreezing in the winter to extremely hot in the summer. These plants have adapted well to such conditions, with their natural habitat spanning -35 to 115°F.
Bergenia, also known as pigsqueak, gets its name from the sound the leaves make when rubbed together, resembling the squeal of a pig. Some types have leaves that resemble elephant ears and are not to be confused with Colocasia. Megasea is a more common name in Europe, which was a previous scientific name for the genus. Other names include Siberian tea, saxifrage, and cobbler’s plant. The roots of certain plants in this family contain high levels of tannins, which cobblers used to tan leather. Bergenia makes an excellent ground cover with evergreen leaves that change color in cooler climates during the winter months. The stunning flowers bloom from late winter to late spring, depending on the growing zone and variety.
These botanical wonders thrive in shaded areas and are capable of growing even under trees. They also have a high level of tolerance for deer and rabbits, and they are generally not affected by many pests or diseases. Optimal soil conditions call for moist soil that drains well. However, overwatering is harmful to these plants and can cause them to die. One great advantage of having Bergenia is that they spread by short underground stems which produce new plants and they are also excellent at suppressing weed growth!
Bergenia plants have been a favorite in Europe for centuries, according to Gerald Klingaman, a retired Extension Horticulturalist for the University of Arkansas. They have traveled through various regions and have been cultivated throughout their history.
As per Klingaman, the plants gained popularity after being collected by David de Gorter, a renowned botanist and royal physician during Empress Elizabeth of Russia’s reign from 1709 to 1762. These samples were sent to Linnaeus, a famous taxonomist who initially categorized them as a type of Saxifraga. However, this plant has undergone a bit of an identity crisis, as taxonomy is a disputed field in botany. Conrad Moench, a German botanist, later named the plants Bergenia after a fellow botanist, Karl A. von Berganin, in his Methodus Plantas in 1794. Despite this name change, other scientists have reclassified them multiple times as Megasea and Saxifraga again. Finally, in the 1950s, they were given their current name, Bergenia, based on standard taxonomic criteria at the time.
Bergenia crassifolia is the most commonly cultivated species among gardeners. Originally thought to be a new species, B. cordifolia is now considered a synonym for B. crassifolia, although both names are still commonly used today. Breeders from Germany and England created numerous hybrids of bergenia from the early 1900s through the 1980s, many of which are still popular today. In recent years, breeding efforts have shifted towards developing heat-tolerant hybrids and cultivars to cater to southern growers who want to enjoy these flowers in their full glory. Propagating bergenia is best done by taking divisions from existing plants, and many nurseries offer live plants that are ready for transplanting into the garden.
Growing plants from seed is a less common method that requires more time and effort. However, some gardeners have had success with rooting leaf cuttings. Mature bergenia plants spread via rhizomes and can become dense in the middle over time, requiring division every three to five years. This is an ideal time to propagate new plants. Divide the parent plant after the flowers have died back in the spring or autumn. Cut rhizome sections into one-and-a-half to two-inch lengths with dormant buds intact and plant each division in its own hole. If you are not ready to replant right away, cut away roots and foliage from the divided rhizomes, partially bury them in perlite or compost tray, cover with plastic or glass, and put them in a partially shaded area. In 10 to 12 weeks, roots should form, and the new plants can be transplanted to pots or a nursery bed. If you want to grow plants from seeds, save the dried seed heads and look for a structure that resembles a pair of bowling pins. Crush it and collect the small seeds that resemble grains of dust. Bergenia seeds collected from gardens often produce plants that look different from their parents. Cold stratify the seeds in a sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator for two weeks before planting. Sow them in porous, sandy soil and do not bury them. Germination can take up to six months. Transplant seedlings into the garden after the last frost of the season, and water them regularly until they are established. Large plants purchased from a nursery can be transplanted in the fall or after blooming in the spring. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and water thoroughly. Bergenia plants are resistant to juglone and thrive under large trees.
It’s important to keep in mind that the advice for growing plants can differ depending on where you live. For those residing in warmer regions, it’s recommended to take extra care when cultivating Bergenias as they may have a harder time with humidity and may not grow as well as they would in cooler areas. If you’re located in a warm climate like Arkansas (Zones 7-8a), try planting them on the north or northeast side of your garden, where they can benefit from some afternoon shade.
Bergenia is an excellent choice for shady gardens, especially in certain climates. To ensure their proper growth, they should be treated similarly to camellias and azaleas. In case you decide to plant them in full sun, make sure to cover the base of each plant with about two inches of mulch to protect the roots from heat damage and reduce the need for frequent watering. Keep in mind not to cover the crown of the plant as it may lead to crown rot. If you live in a warm climate with no shade, avoid planting them in full sun as they will likely suffer from burnt leaves and stunted growth. Water them sparingly during hot and humid weather as overwatering can lead to root rot. Those living in hot and dry climates should add two to three inches of mulch to maintain moisture in the soil.
On the other hand, if you reside in a cooler climate, such as South Dakota, you can plant Bergenia in full sun without any issues. However, cold weather can damage the flowers, and the buds are less cold-resistant than the leaves. To prevent this, you can grow them near windbreaks such as boulders, shrubs, ornamental trees, or grasses. If you have a frost-sensitive variety like B. ciliata, you can grow it indoors as a houseplant to avoid exposure to severe winter weather.
Good drainage is crucial for Bergenia’s survival, even more so than the amount of light they receive. It’s better to underwater them than to provide too much water since the former only slows their growth.
To ensure that your plants receive the right amount of water, only water them when they are really dry. You can check if they need water by feeling the top inch or two of the soil for moisture, and if it’s dry, water thoroughly but don’t water again for a while. It’s better to give too little water than too much. Keep in mind that plants in full sun require more water than those in shade. Bergenia can tolerate a wide range of pH values, but avoid soils with a pH of 7.5 or above, and do a soil test and amend accordingly before planting if needed. These plants thrive in moist, humus-rich soil but can grow in sandy, loamy, or heavy clay soil with added grit for drainage. To maintain these low maintenance plants, remove dead leaves in the spring and cut dead flower stalks to the ground. They don’t typically need fertilization unless the soil is low in nutrients. B. ciliata, also known as frilly or hairy bergenia, is a native of Tibet and Afghanistan and can grow in Zones 5 to 9.
The B. ciliata species boasts lustrous green leaves that can grow up to 12 inches in diameter, with plants spreading up to four feet apart. Unlike other bergenias, this species produces less densely-packed clumps. When grown in sunny areas with poor soil, the leaves display their best color, which is a visible response to stress, although they prefer cool, damp shade. According to the experts at Washington State University Clark County Extension, frilly bergenia thrives when allowed to spread beneath deciduous trees and is considered one of the best ground covers. Its flowers bloom on six-inch stems and come in pink, white, or purple shades, with a mild fragrance. However, this variety is less resilient and its leaves are prone to frost damage. As a result, some gardeners provide protection for these plants during cold weather. The B. crassifolia species, also known as heartleaf bergenia or winter-blooming bergenia, is the most commonly grown species with many varieties originating from Siberia.
B. crassifolia is a plant species that goes by several other names like B. cordifolia, Saxifraga crassifolia, S. cordifolia, and many others. Its leaves are dark green, heart-shaped, and wavy with a few teeth on the margins, and during winter, the edges may turn red. It has been observed that this phenomenon is more common in the types that originated from Siberia than the ones from other Asian areas. The flowers of this plant are pinkish-purple and grow on stems that range from 12 to 18 inches high, situated well above the leaves. Bees and other pollinators are attracted to these flowers, and it’s recommended to use this plant in shaded borders and foreground plantings within Zones 3 to 8.
Looking for some Bergenia plants to add to your garden? Check out Nature Hills Nursery for B. cordifolia options. For something unique, consider B. emeiensis, also known as Chinese bergenia. This plant is native to the Himalayas and was officially collected from Mount Emei in 1935, but wasn’t named until 1988. Thanks to the efforts of Mikinori Ogisu, it’s finally gaining popularity in the West.
B. emeiensis is a unique type of bergenia that stands out from the rest. It thrives in shady conditions, unlike its counterparts, even in warmer areas. This plant demands soil that is rich in humus to grow and develop properly. Its leaves are an elongated shape and light green in color, while its soft pink flowers are slightly spidery and droopy in appearance.
On the other hand, B. purpurascens, also known as purple bergenia, purple pigsqueak, or winter red bergenia, is another exceptional plant variety. Its leaves start off a lovely shade of purple before turning into a glossy green color. The flowers of this plant range in color from pink to red to purple. So if you’re looking for a colorful addition to your garden, B. purpurascens is worth considering.
Chinese bergenia, scientifically known as B. purpurascens, is a popular plant species in traditional Chinese medicine due to its rhizomes’ ability to stop bleeding and act as a tonic. This variety is suitable for ground cover, bedding or border plant, and understory plant in woodlands. It has received the RHS Award of Garden Merit in 1993 and is recommended for the Eastern and Midwestern regions of the US, although it can tolerate conditions in Zone 9. Hazzard’s Seeds via Amazon offers seeds for this species. The evergreen variety, B. purpurascens var. delavayi, features deeply colored oval and erect purple-bronzed to reddish stems, leaves with an open habit, and deep pink flowers in pendant-shaped clusters that get brighter when exposed to full sun or cold weather. Another evergreen variety, B. stracheyi or Strachey’s elephant ears, also called B. milesii, is a compact clumping plant that is winter hardy in Zones 5 through 8.
B. stracheyi is a plant that can grow up to eight inches in height and has oval green leaves with hairy margins that turn red during winter. It is a versatile species that can grow in full shade, partial shade, or full sun. The pink flowers have a slight fragrance and attract bees and other pollinators. If you’re looking for more options, check out the supplemental guide “25 of the Best Bergenia Cultivars for the Garden” to find the perfect fit for your landscape.
One of the best things about this plant is that it is typically not bothered by insects such as black vine weevils, which may cause minor damage. There is also some debate about the impact of snails and slugs on bergenia. While some experts suggest that older leaves may attract slugs, others say that they generally leave newer cultivars alone. In terms of disease, bergenia is quite resilient, with fungal infections causing spots on the leaves being rare. However, crown rot can occur if mulch is applied to the top of the plants, holding in moisture.
Despite its small size, bergenia is a versatile plant that can be used as both ground cover and for mixed borders. It is commonly found in shady areas or woodland gardens in southern regions and can thrive in full sun in northern parts of the US.
Bergenia is a flowering perennial that is perfect for planting in groups. Its unique leaves and beautiful flowers make it an ideal addition to mixed borders or clusters at the front of a garden. It can even thrive in containers! The plant’s fragrant flowers last a long time in vases, and its leaves are often used in floral arrangements. Cut flowers can also be dried and preserved. Bergenia is low maintenance, tolerant of alkaline soil, deer, drought, rabbits and salt. It blooms from late winter to late spring and grows well in organically rich soil with full sun to part shade exposure. It attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds and grows up to 2 feet tall with a spread of 1-4 feet. It’s perfect for ground cover, mass planting, mixed borders, woodland rock gardens, containers, cut flowers, and drying and preserving flowers. Bergenia is a great plant for beginners as it grows easily in zones 3 to 9, offering multi-season interest from early spring to late fall.
Bergenia is a versatile plant that can thrive in different soil conditions, ranging from acidic to mildly alkaline. Although it prefers moisture, it can withstand dry spells once it’s established. One thing to avoid, though, is overwatering, as it can harm the plant. We encourage you to try growing bergenia in your garden and see its potential. If you have any inquiries about its cultivation, feel free to ask us in the comments section.