Bergenia Purpurascens Pink Red

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Saxifragaceae or Saxifragaceae

Order

Rosales

Genus

Bergenia

Species

cordifolia

Description

A perennial ornamental herbaceous plant with compact growth; it reaches an average height of 0.35 m, making it ideal for adding a unique colour accent to planters and outdoor tubs as well as to flower beds and rock gardens as a first-rate plant, even in compositions with other ornamentals. Appreciated both for its spike-like inflorescences, present from late spring until the end of summer, and for its leathery foliage, which takes on shades tending towards red when the first cold weather arrives. Easy to grow, it withstands harsh winters well.

Variety description

A perennial plant with bright green foliage in summer and amber-red in winter with a very showy flowering spike, suitable for borders and small escarpments.

Curiosities and special features

The genus Bergenia was dedicated to the German botanist K. A. Von Bergen.

Bergenia is a very common perennial in gardens all over the world, especially in those of old mansions; today it is being rediscovered, attracting considerable interest for its scenic flowering and resistance to low winter temperatures.

Origin and distribution

A species native to a geographic range stretching from Siberia to the highlands of Central Asia, it arrived in Europe at the end of the 18th century, adorning gardens and parks.

Flower size

The flower individually is small, clustered in a showy inflorescence.

Leaf

The leaves have a distinctive obovate, leathery lamina.

Flowering period

It blossoms from late spring to summer for a duration of 90 to 120 days, with flowers that are always bright and vivid in colour.

Inflorescence

Spiky inflorescence rising from the foliage and becoming an attractive focal point.

Leaf colour

Solid-coloured, in winter the leaves change to a reddish hue, becoming a focal point and providing an accent of colour even during the coldest period.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.25 to 0.35 m, perfect as a first-band species in flowerbeds or borders.

Lifespan

Herbaceous perennial.

Where to plant

Versatile in use, it is suitable for decorating flower beds, planters, rock gardens, outdoor tubs

Stem

Herbaceous stem, the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is simple in form, small in size, with a gamopetalous corolla and single-coloured petals. It is arranged in medium-sized spike-like inflorescences. It flowers from late spring to summer, with a flowering period of between 90 and 120 days. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

Growth

Compact and proportionate growing variety.

Plant habit

Its globular habitus makes it ideal for creating dense groups, even in compositions with other ornamentals.

Branching

rhizomes

PH

It prefers a slightly acidic soil pH between 6.0 and 6.5.

Soil preparation

Before transplanting in early spring, dig up the soil about 20 cm deep by removing weeds, any residues from previous crops and bulky stones; break up coarser clods with the help of a hoe. Finally, add professional-quality substrate to the surface to a height of 5/10 cm and carefully level out.

Sun exposure

It grows well, flowering better, if exposed to half shade, full sun.

Ideal climate and temperature

Suitable for cold winter climates, it does not tolerate intense drought heat. The biological temperature is between 5 and 25 °C. The vital temperature is between -15 and 30 °C

Use

Always appreciated as an evergreen herbaceous plant in:

Outdoor ornamental

Hardiness

Ahighly hardy variety, it withstands winter very well even in frozen ground.

Soil

It prefers a loose, peaty and well-draining soil. A substrate for spring plants based on peat and perlite is recommended for use in planters and pots.

Difficulty

It is extremely easy to grow with a low level of management effort, making it a plant that is appreciated by gardeners, landscapers and green enthusiasts at all levels of experience.

Growing tips

For better vegetative growth, pay attention to the ideal temperature range for the plant as

In hills above 300 m. It can stay in the sun all day long. In summer it prefers shady positions to avoid dry spells and high afternoon temperatures

Combinations with other plants

Due to its bearing, the height attained at maturity and the colour shades taken on by the leaves, it is ideal for creating highly ornamental compositions with other species such as Aquilegia flabellata, Gaura lindheimeri and Senecio cineraria.

Planting

For planting in flowerbeds or in the garden, we recommend an average density of 10 plants per square metre in order to achieve proper development of each specimen. We suggest placing each seedling in a raised bed with the collar off the soil surface, taking care not to sink the lump completely to avoid apical rot, and finally water immediately after planting, preferably during the morning hours.

Pruning

At the end of flowering, cut off the flower stem at the base and remove any dry leaves.

Propagation

Propagation is mainly by rhizome division; it is also possible to reproduce by sowing or by meristem.

Watering

Use rainwater, or alternatively aqueduct water, either manually or by means of an irrigation system. Maintaining a constant humidity of the soil or substrate, avoiding both periods of desiccation and excessive water supply with consequent stagnation and fungal diseases, will favour an excellent vegetative development of the plant.

Fertilising

After proper settling in the new planting site, apply a specific liquid fertiliser for flowering ornamental plants to the soil or substrate, which should be diluted in the irrigation water and distributed according to suitable dosages and frequencies as stated on the relevant information label.

Pet safety

Toxicity not known, consult your veterinarian in case of ingestion.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Toxicity for humans

Toxicity not known, avoid ingestion.

Tip

A very versatile plant for flowerbeds where perennials are used, it requires little maintenance. It is often used on canal scarps or wetlands.