How do I harvest bergenia seeds?

You can buy seeds from the store or harvest seeds from an existing plant (although they are tiny and somewhat difficult to collect). Inside the wilting flowers of bergenia, you’ll find small “bowling pin” shaped seed pods, each with approximately 50 to 100 teeny, rice-like seeds. Allow the blooms to dry out and place the seed pods on a plate or towel before handling to capture all of the grain-size seeds. Once harvested, you can store them dry and at room temperature until you are ready to plant them (as noted above) in the spring.

Is bergenia considered toxic to pets or humans?

Bergenia is not considered toxic to humans or pets and wild mammals (like deer and rabbits) tend to avoid the foliage. In fact, its large, leathery leaves deter most animals from snacking on the plant.

Is bergenia invasive?

While bergenia is a non-native plant that spreads via rhizomes, it is not considered invasive since it is so slow to spread. It is more likely to require management in temperate climates (where it may remain evergreen), but in northern climates, it will likely suffer frost damage that will slow self-spreading.

How to Plant and Grow Bergenia

This groundcover can often look good all year round.

By

Viveka Neveln

Updated on April 18, 2024

Bergenia Overview

Genus Name	Bergenia
Common Name	Bergenia
Plant Type	Perennial
Light	Part Sun, Shade
Height	6 to 12 inches
Width	12 to 18 inches
Flower Color	Pink, Red, White
Foliage Color	Blue/Green, Purple/Burgundy
Season Features	Colorful Fall Foliage, Spring Bloom, Winter Interest
Special Features	Cut Flowers, Good for Containers, Low Maintenance
Zones	3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Propagation	Division, Seed
Problem Solvers	Deer Resistant, Groundcover

Where to Plant Bergenia

Bergenia is often grown as a groundcover in shady areas where its squeaky leaves will stay green longer. It prefers moist, humus-rich soil but is also tolerant of well-drained loamy, sandy, and clay soils—especially when planted in an area that provides shelter from harsh chilly winds.

Use bergenia to fill your yard's dark, shaded spots where little else will grow besides hostas, ferns, and hellebore. You can also install it along the edge of your garden bed to deter rabbits and deer. At maturity, the leaves of bergenia are too leathery for the hungry mammals to munch on.

While bergenia is primarily a shade-loving plant, several varieties also fare well in full sun, so don’t be deterred if your garden lacks shady spots. Just be aware that the more sun your bergenia plants receive, the more moisture they may need.

How and When to Plant Bergenia

If you want to grow bergenia from seed, plan to start them indoors about 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost. Press the seeds into a planting tray filled with moist potting mix, but do not cover the seeds. They will need exposure to light to germinate. Place the tray in a warm, sunny area where the air temperature remains between 65- and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the soil evenly moist, and the seeds should begin to sprout in approximately 3 to 6 weeks. Your seedlings can then be transplanted outside after the danger of frost has passed. When you move your seedlings, handle them carefully to avoid damaging the root systems.

If you are transplanting or planting a nursery-grown bergenia plant, it’s best to do so in early spring. Choose a spot and amend the soil (if necessary) before digging a hole just slightly larger than the plant’s root ball. Place the plant in the hole and fill in the soil, tamping down as you work to remove air pockets. If you are planting multiple plants—and you should, as it is a slow grower—space them approximately 12 to 18 inches apart. This spacing will allow ample airflow for the plants when they reach maturity.

Bergenia Care Tips

This low-maintenance perennial is considered evergreen in the South, while in more northern states, it may suffer winter damage. Protect this plant from strong, cold winter winds to prevent its evergreen leaves from losing too much moisture.

Light

Bergenia tolerates many lighting conditions (including full sun), but partial or dappled shade suits it best. Many bergenia varieties can also thrive in full shade, making them an excellent addition to shade gardens and north-facing gardens with little to no sun exposure.

Soil and Water

Although this evergreen perennial grows well in average, well-drained soil, moist humus-rich soil provides maximum growth and bloom power. Once established, bergenia is drought-tolerant, but appreciates supplemental watering during extended dry spells.

Temperature and Humidity

Bergenia plants are native to the shady forest and alpine zones of China and Siberia, so they are accustomed to temperatures that swing from -35°F to 110°F (but will suffer damage in both extremes). 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.

Fertilizer

Bergenia plants do not require fertilizer to thrive—especially when grown in humus-rich soil or soil that has been amended with nutrient-giving organic matter. You can immediately fertilize your freshly planted bergenia plants with a balanced (10-10-10 NPK) fertilizer by mixing it in with the soil when you place them in the ground. 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.

Pruning

Remove any damaged foliage and spent flowering stems in late winter or early spring but leave living foliage alone.

Because bergenia plants grow slowly via creeping rhizomes, division is not often needed. You may want to divide your plants every three to five years, though, to help them regain vitality. If a plant begins to die out in the center, you know it's time to divide it.

Potting and Repotting

Bergenia can also be grown in containers if the pot has good drainage and is filled with good-quality soil. To start, choose a container at least 12 inches in diameter and 2 to 3 times larger than the plant’s root ball (if you are potting a transplant or nursery-grown plant). Make sure your container also offers at least 8 inches of space below the plant’s root ball so the roots have room to grow.

Plan to repot or divide your bergenia plant in the fall every 3 to 5 years or whenever the runners of the plant begin to overtake the edge. Simply remove the plant from its container by digging down to the bottom and then cutting the root mass apart using a sharp blade. Split the roots into three or four sections leaving intact rhizomes and buds on each section. You can plant the divisions in separate containers or discard them.

Pests and Problems

Bergenia is usually problem and pest-free, but watch for snail and slug damage. If they appear, you can deter them from munching on your plant with traps and physical barriers like pine needles or food-grade diatomaceous earth.

Since bergenia has dense foliage, excessive moisture in the soil or improper air circulation can lead to root rot, mildew, or fungal issues. To avoid this, plant your bergenia plants at least 12 to 18 inches apart and only water them from below the leaves.

How to Propagate Bergenia

The easiest way to propagate bergenia is through division. To divide an existing bergenia plant, wait until the plant stops flowering in the fall. In some climates, this can also be done in early spring before flowering begins. Dig up the root system and gently wipe away the soil before using a sharp blade to cut the rhizome into several sections—each with its own roots, buds, and runners. Plant your divided bergenia plants immediately and water them thoroughly.

Types of Bergenia

'Apple Blossom' Bergenia

Bergenia cordifolia 'Apple Blossom' features large pale pink flowers on red stems that rise above glossy green leaves. It grows approximately 12-20 inches tall and 18-23 inches wide. It is hardy in zones 4-9.

'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. It is hardy in zones 3-8.

'Winterglut' Bergenia

Bergenia cordifolia 'Winterglut' has reddish-pink flowers in spring and dark green leaves that turn rich, mottled red and orange in fall. It grows 12 to 18 inches tall and wide in hardiness zones 4-8.

Bergenia Companion Plants

Perennial Geranium

One of the longest bloomers in the garden, hardy geranium bears little flowers for months at a time. 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

Yellow Alchemilla Close — Matthew Benson

Lady's mantle looks great in 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. Lady's mantle is ideal for softening the edge of a shaded path or creating a groundcover in dappled shade.

Lungwort

In early spring (zones 2-8), lungwort's brilliant blue, pink, or white flowers bloom despite the coldest chill. 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. When planted close together as a weed-discouraging groundcover, or in borders as edgings or bright accent plants, lungwort plants are workhorses that retain their good looks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I harvest bergenia seeds?

You can buy seeds from the store or harvest seeds from an existing plant (although they are tiny and somewhat difficult to collect). Inside the wilting flowers of bergenia, you’ll find small “bowling pin” shaped seed pods, each with approximately 50 to 100 teeny, rice-like seeds. Allow the blooms to dry out and place the seed pods on a plate or towel before handling to capture all of the grain-size seeds. Once harvested, you can store them dry and at room temperature until you are ready to plant them (as noted above) in the spring.
Is bergenia considered toxic to pets or humans?

Bergenia is not considered toxic to humans or pets and wild mammals (like deer and rabbits) tend to avoid the foliage. In fact, its large, leathery leaves deter most animals from snacking on the plant.
Is bergenia invasive?

While bergenia is a non-native plant that spreads via rhizomes, it is not considered invasive since it is so slow to spread. It is more likely to require management in temperate climates (where it may remain evergreen), but in northern climates, it will likely suffer frost damage that will slow self-spreading.