How to Grow Bergenia

Bergenia has big, cabbagelike leaves and red stems of pink flowers that bloom in spring and, often, again in fall.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Bypass Pruners
• Compost Makers
• Fertilizers
• Garden Hoses
• Mulch
• Plants

Choosing Bergenia

1. Look for plants at nurseries in spring and summer.

2. Buy bergenia in 6-inch to 1-gallon containers.

3. Choose healthy-looking plants with signs of new growth in leaves and flower buds.

Planting Bergenia

1. Plant bergenia in full sun in well-drained soil.

2. Add a light application of organic fertilizer to the planting hole.

3. Place the plants no deeper than they were growing in the containers.

4. Set the plants 1 foot apart.

5. Mulch around but not on top of the plants with 3 inches of organic compost.

6. Water well until soil is completely moist.

Caring for Bergenia

1. Cut tattered leaves off in late fall or early spring using bypass pruners.

2. Cut off old flower stems in late winter using bypass pruners.

3. Apply a light application of organic fertilizer to the top of the soil in spring; follow package directions.

4. Mulch around but not on top of the plants with 3 inches of organic compost in spring.

5. Water well weekly until soil is completely moist in summers with no rainfall.