Bergenia, a clump-forming perennial primarily grown as a groundcover, can look good all year round.
Bergenia is an easy-to-grow,clump-forming perennialprimarily used as a groundcover or as edging for walkways.
At maturity, the leaves of bergenia are too leathery for the hungry mammals to munch on.
Credit: Doug Hetherington
Just be aware that the more sun your bergenia plants receive, the more moisture they may need.
This spacing will allow ample airflow for the plants when they reach maturity.
Protect this plant from strong, cold winter winds to prevent its evergreen leaves from losing too much moisture.
Credit: Doug Hetherington
Once established, bergenia is drought-tolerant, but appreciates supplemental watering during extended dry spells.
That said, bergenia plants fare best in the summer when planted in shady areas.
They can also tolerate high humidity when planted with sufficient airflow between plants.
Credit: Justin Hancock
For the amount to use, follow product label directions.
Avoid fertilizing bergenia plants that are already flowering as well as plants that are less than one month old.
Because bergenia plants grow slowly via creeping rhizomes, division is not often needed.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
If a plant begins to die out in the center, you know it’s time to divide it.
Split the roots into three or four sections, leaving intact rhizomes and buds on each section.
you’ve got the option to plant the divisions in separate containers or discard them.
Credit: Justin Hancock
Pests and Problems
Bergenia is usually problem and pest-free, but watch for snail and slug damage.
It grows approximately 12-20 inches tall and 18-23 inches wide.
It is hardy in zones 4-9.
Credit: Matthew Benson
‘Bressingham White’ Bergenia
Bergenia cordifolia’Bressingham White' has flowers that open pink but age to white.
Fall foliage is burgundy.
It grows 12-14 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide.
Credit: David McDonald
It is hardy in zones 3-8.
It grows 12 to 18 inches tall and wide in hardiness zones 4-8.
It produces jewel-tone, saucer-shaped flowers and mounds of handsome, lobed foliage.
It needs full sun; otherwise, it is a rugged and reliable plant, thriving in various soils.
Many of the best are hybrids.
Perennial geraniums may form large colonies.
Lady’s Mantle
Lady’s mantle looks greatin the garden and in a vase.
Its scalloped leaves catch rain or drewdrops, making them look dusted with jewels.
The chartreuse flowers appear in playful, frothy clusters above the foliage.
The rough basal leaves, spotted or plain, remain handsome through the growing season and into winter.
Like bergenia, lungwort is a shade-loving plant that prefers a high-humus soil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bergenia will grow to about 12 inches tall and 18 inches wide.
It grows at a medium rate.
When well cared for, it can live for approximately ten years.
In fact, its large, leathery leaves deter most animals from snacking on the plant.
Remember, partial shade is best for the most flowers.
A common reason why bergenia dies is because its been planted it in the wrong area.
Of course, like any other plant, its death could also be due to overwatering or under-watering.
