The Bergenia plant family is a trendy option as a ground cover in landscaping because it looks beautiful, can choke out weeds with ease due to its size, and is relatively hardy in many types of soils and growing situations. And it has many unique species variations for growers like you.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular varieties of this flower and highlight elements like their bloom time, overall size, watering requirements, and other factors that help you keep these plants growing beautifully throughout your yard and home.
Apple Blossom Bergenia – A Unique Engineered Option
This Bergenia species produces a sturdy clump of large and green leaves that bloom into near-white floors that eventually turn soft pink. This plant typically blooms mid-spring to early summer and looks its best in the warmest months of these times. A full growth will cover around 12-20 inches or 30-50 centimeters, making it easy to spread many of these plants throughout your hard.
Growing Tips: normal, sandy, or clay soil is perfect for this Bergenia, and any alkalinity level is safe. Keep it average to moist every day and keep it either in full sun or partial shade.
Bergenia Stracheyi – A Popular Himalayan Option
This Bergenia is considered a dwarf variety, one that rarely gets over a foot or 20 centimeters high. Its small and round leaves are delicately highlighted by rose-pink flowers that mostly appear in late spring or early summer. Expect a reddening of the leaves by late winter for an even more striking look.
Growing tips: keep the soil of this plant well-drained and rich with humus to enhance its growth. Keep it mostly in the sun and shelter it from the wind to avoid severe damage.
Hairy Bergenia – A Popular Option for Many Growers
This Bergenia – also known as Bergenia Ciliata – originated in Afghanistan and South Tibet but has expanded to many different areas over the years. Its deep-green color and light pink flowers make it easy to integrate into many growing scenarios. Expect growths of at least 12-23 inches or 30-60 centimeters and anticipate blooms in mid-to-late spring.
Growing Tips: keep this Bergenia in full sun or partial shade and provide average to moist soil to keep it healthy. Most soil types are suitable for this hardy plant.
Bressingham Ruby Bergenia – Another English Variation
Many Bergenia species originate in England like this hardy and reliable evergreen. It produces a maroon color in winter that phases to deep green in the summer. Flowers are usually magenta, and the plant often grows as tall as 14 inches or 35 centimeters.
Growing Tips: a mid-spring to early summer bloom is assured if you keep the soil moist, avoid excessive alkalinity, and keep the plant mostly in the sun during the growing season.
Bressingham White Bergenia – A White English Variety
As a variation of the ruby Bressingham, this plant has many of the same features. However, its flowers typically progress to a gorgeous white after initially blooming in early spring and winter. Expect heights of at least two feet (60 centimeters) with these sprawling plants.
Growing Tips: keep the soil watered at least once every two days and grow in humus-rich and well-drained soil with full sun or partial shade. Try to keep them protected from wind, as well.
Bressingham Salmon Bergenia – Yet Another Bressingham Species
The celebrated Bressingham series of Bergenias continue with this bright-green plant that produces orange-pink flowers that match the salmon name. Expect vast blooms of this plant in March and April, with semi-arid to dry soils being possible for this hardy plant.
Growing Tips: position this plant in full sun or partial shade, and make sure to trim it regularly – it grows in clumps that may get out of control without proper maintenance.
Bergenia Ligulata – A Temperate Option
Although this plant has yet to become incredibly popular in gardens, it has found a footing in many areas. Typically available in Siberia and other similar places, it is a hardy plant that can grow over two feet tall or up to 50 centimeters, with light green leaves and dark pink flowers.
Growing Tips: expect a bloom throughout late spring and early summer if you keep the soil well-watered and pH neutral. Try to avoid clay-rich soils to keep them as healthy as possible.
Bergenia Crassifolia – An Evergreen You’ve Probably Seen
The Bergenia Classifolia is one of the most widespread species of this plant, an evergreen perennial that remains very popular in many areas. It should fit in most areas with a growth size of 12-23 inches or 30-60 centimeters. Expect deep green leaves and deep pink flowers throughout early spring to late winter.
Growing tips: this Bergenia can survive well in almost any soil, including alkaline and acid types, and can even do well with dry soil. Make sure to keep it in partial shade or full sun for the best growths.
Winterglut Bergenia – A Very Vibrant Option
As a very vibrant plant with reddish-pink flowers, Winterglut remains a popular option for many growers. Its leaves are dark green and very large and can be used to make bouquets. Expect a maximum bloom in mid to late spring and heights of up to 1.5 feet (or 45 centimeters).
Growing Tips: like many Bergenia, this option grows well in just about any soil type but thrives better in partial- to full-shade environments and needs more frequent watering – daily may be necessary.
Bergenia Eroica – A Very Easy-to-Grow Option
Lastly is this Eroica option, one that is known to be disease-free and resistant to most animals. Thriving in full sun or partial shade, it produces purple flowers, green and red leaves and thrives in most types of soils. Expect growths of up to 12-18 inches or 30-45 centimeters.
Growing Tips: you can put this plant just about anywhere, and it will grow well – just make sure it has at least two-feet of growing room to avoid crowding.
