Bergenia - A Plant of the Saxifragaceae Family
Published · Flower Resource
Bergenia is a perennial that is a member of Saxifragaceae family. They are native to China and Afghanistan. These plants are also called Cobbler’s plant or Elephant ears as their leaves are too large and thin and flowers too cute that forms a bunch together. They are semi evergreen and ornamental and thus have become favorite in gardens all over the world. The plant produces flowers that can range from bright pink to deep purple in color. They are 12 to 24 inches high and in clusters on a flower spike.
Bergenia symbolizes long life, happiness, positivity and devotion thus they can be given to your loved ones to convey wishes. Other symbols include warmth and openness to new adventures.
Uses of Bergenia
- They are wonderful pick for ground cover.
- They are also a good addition to rock gardens.
- In Nepal people use juice of this plant to treat urinary problems.
- Juice of bergenia leaves is also used as drops to relieve ear aches.
- The root juice is used as tonic to cure fevers and diarrhea.
Interesting Facts
- Cold weather can make color of leaves of Bergenia even more intense.
- Bergenia is resistant to many diseases.
- They have beautiful flowers but they do not last very long.
- Popular Bergenia types are Bergenia Dragonfly Series that produces mass of pink to white blooms; other is Bergenia Solar Flare that has deep magenta colored blooms with heavy foliage and Bergenia Flirt that has deep pink blooms in spring and deep burgundy foliage throughout fall and winter.
Soil Needed
- They can be grown in different types of soils but experts recommend planting them in soil with high humus content and good drainage.
- Once every year apply general purpose fertilizer, after you see new plants growing.
How to Plant?
- You have to plant Bergenia in fall to have it bloom in the month of December.
- Sow the seeds of bergenia directly in soil in spring or fall.
- The seeds would germinate in two to three weeks and then you can place it outside.
- If you can water the plant regularly you can also plant it in spring.
- To increase the fertility of soil, add a bit of special planting soil mix to your garden.
- You can multiply these plants through crown division in the months of March or April after the blooming.
- You can plant the plants either in sun or shade.
- The ideal time to divide the bergenia is spring once all the flowers have died.
Maintenance and Care
- They require very little care in comparison to other ornamental plants.
- Water the plant in case of lack of rain.
- Remove withered leaves at the foot of the plant.
- Eliminate wilting flowers as they die off.
- If they are planted in full sun have a base layer of mulch to prevent the roots from getting damaged.
- These plants are sensitive to water so only in dry season provide additional water.