Bergenia

( behr - GEEN - ee - ah )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus is commonly referred to as Elephant-Eared Saxifrage, Pigsqueak, Large Rockfoil or Elephant's Ears. These evergreen plants are typically green-leaved and produce infloresences of red, pink or white flowers that rise up above foliage clumps. Bergenia species are native to central Asia, including areas that stretch from Afghanistan over to China, as well as the regions around the Himalayan Mountains. Foliage is generally waxy and adopts reddish-bronze hues in cooler weather. Grow these plants in mixed beds or borders or in containers on patios or along walkways.

bergenia Species and Varietals

The genus Bergenia is a member of the plant family Saxifragaceae, and includes just 10 species. It is named for German botanist and physician Karl August von Bergen. and is closely related to Rodgersia and Mukdenia. Bergenia plants grow well in USDA hardiness zones 3-9, though this varies somewhat depending on the species and cultivar grown. For more information, see the species descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Bergenia ciliata (Fringed Elephant's Ears, Fringed Bergenia, Hairy Bergenia, Pashanbheda)
These plants can be evergreen in USDA hardiness zones 5-8 or Sunset growing zones 6-H2, and are deciduous in cooler climates. These plants are great as a partial shade groundcover option, pathway edging, or in mixed beds as front plants. Can also be grown in container. Flowers are white to rose-pink and bloom in springtime.

Bergenia crassifolia (Bergenia cordifolia) (Heart Leaved Bergenia, Heratleaf Bergenia, Leather Bergenia, Winter-Blooming Bergenia, Badan, Pigsqueak, Siberian Tea, Mongolian Tea)
Reaching about a foot tall at maturity, these plants are winter-hardy in warmer locations, losing their leaves in cooler weather. They grow best in USDA hardiness zones 3-10. Leaves form a basal rosette from which flower stalks bloom in spring and summertime. Flowers are pink. Varietal 'Rosa Zeiten' is a choice ornamental selection for gardens.

Bergenia spp. Hybrids (Hybrid Bergenia, Hybrid Pigsqueak)
This group includes plants that have been cultivated for their bright flower colors, hardiness, and foliage qualities. These plants make great additions to mixed beds, containers, and in shaded areas of the garden as groundcover plants.

'Biedermeier'

'Bressingham White'

'Britten'

'Claire Maxine'

'Eden's Magic Giant'

'Eric Smith'

'Eroica'

'Frau Holle'

'Sunningdale'

'Morgenrote'

'Pugsley's Pink'

'Silberlicht'

'Wintermarchen'

Bergenia purpurascens (Purple Bergenia)
This perennial species is native to Nepal, Tibet, China, and Myanmar and grows well when cultivated in USDA hardiness zones 4-8. These plants are fantastic at creating focal points of foliage and bright pink flowers that rise above foliage in spring and summertime. Foliage turns a bright beet-red color in the cooler temperatures of fall. A popularly grown variety is Bergenia purpurascens delavayi, and cultivar 'Irish Crimson' is also a great selection.

Bergenia stracheyi (Strachey's Elephant Ears, Pasanbadh, Paashanbhed, White Himalayan Bergenia)
This species of Bergenia is found in the Himalayan Mountains in Afghanistan and Tajikistan, and grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3-8. Varieties that are commonly grown from this species include 'Alba' (with white flowers) and 'Afghanica'.

Caring for Bergenia

The best time of the year to plant Bergenia is in the spring, after the threat of frost has passed. These plants can thrive in any amount of sun exposure, but will do best in a space with light shade. In areas with warmer climates, they appreciate some late afternoon protection from direct sun rays. In cold-winter climates, they will also need to be planted in an area that has some protection from strong winds and the coldest temperatures. They like to be grown in rich, well-draining soil, but can also adapt to poor or clay soils. Soil pH should be in the 5.8 to 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral) range. For best results, if local soils are poor or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. After planting, mulch around the base with organic mulching material to help retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth. Keep mulch away from the plant stems, as this can encourage an environment for root rot issues to take hold. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home; at maturity, they are considered drought tolerant, able to get by for much of the year on rainwater alone with supplemental irrigation during extended periods of dry weather.

Feed yearly in early springtime with a dressing of organic compost, and work it into the soil. Make sure to remove mulch before putting down compost, and to replace mulch after it has been applied. In early springtime, trim away any leaves that have become torn or tattered over the winter months to clean up the appearance of plants and to make way for new fresh foliage growth. After plants are done flowering, deadhead spent blooms and their stalks. This will tidy plants up and can trigger new flowers to bloom, as well. These plants when grown from seed will reach their mature size in 2-3 years, and typically live for between 5 and 10 years in the landscape under optimal conditions before needing to be replaced.

Growing Bergenia in Containers
Bergenia flowers are wonderful in the ground, but can also be grown in containers. Choose a container that is at least a few inches wider and deeper than the nursery pot or root ball. Ensure that the pot has adequate drainage holes on the bottom to allow for excess water to flow away. Fill with a well-draining potting mix amended with organic material and perlite, and top with a layer of mulch to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water regularly as the plant establishes itself in its new home. Once established, waterings can be lessened. Bergenia plants grown in containers will need more frequent irrigation than those grown in the ground. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top few inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Prune to remove dead, damaged, or diseased foliage at any time during the growing season. Every few years, check the bottom of the pot to ensure that the plant is not outgrowing its root space. If roots are growing through the drainage holes in the bottom of the container, it is a good indication that it needs to be potted up; choose a slightly larger container and repot.

Propagation

Bergenia can be propagated either by using cuttings or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your Pigsqueak flowers, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Bergenia by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
Harvest your seeds. The seed pods on plants are pretty easy to spot, they're left behind after flowers have faded. Once they have dried out and begun to split open, you can harvest the seeds inside. Cut them off of the plant, placing them in a paper bag. Harvest as many as you can, and place the paper bag in a dry, cool, dark area. They will continue to split open and release the seeds contained inside. Once they have been released, take them out of the bag and put them in a container so you can work with them.
In either late winter or early springtime, get your container prepared. Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 2-6 weeks from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.

Propagating Bergenia by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil, compost and pots (only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in very early spring. To propagate by division, follow these steps:

Using a shovel, dig up your existing plant. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the rhizome(s). Once you have worked it up out of the ground, lay it out.
Start to tease apart the roots with your fingers. Once the roots are untangled, separate your plant into segments, ensuring that each one has at least one thick rhizome section attached.
Prepare your pot(s) or new planting site(s) with amended, well-draining soil. You can either bring in new soil or simply amend your existing soil with compost to complete this task. Then, plant your divided rhizomes about an inch under the soil surface and water thoroughly.
Apply a thick layer of mulch over the new planting to protect it from cold weather as it acclimates to its new home. Then, enjoy watching it sprout in the next growing season.

Problems and Pests

Bergenia are considered to be relatively robust plants, and are not susceptible to too many problems or pests, however from time to time they may need to be checked for: