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Bergenia
Bergenia
Bergenia blooms from April through May.
This entry comes from our curated library and has not yet been independently checked against outside sources. Curated is not unreliable: a standing audit keeps every entry internally consistent, and the source-by-source check is working through the whole library in the open.
Growing Bergenia
Plant it in part sun. It prefers moderate water. It is hardy in USDA zones 3–8. Expect it to reach about 1.3 ft tall and 1.6 ft wide at maturity, in roughly 2 years.
When to plant Bergenia
Plant Bergenia in early spring as soon as the soil is workable, or in early fall at least six weeks before your first frost, so roots establish in cool weather. For the middle of its hardy zones 3 to 8 range, spring means April to June and fall means August or September. Once settled, it blooms from April to May.
Month-by-month timing for your zone is on the planting calendar: for the middle of its range, start with zone 5 in April.
Good to know about Bergenia
Curated from university extensions, botanic gardens and other primary sources, with the source named on every note.
Worth knowing
The leathery evergreen leaves flush to bronze, burgundy or copper-red as cold sets in and days shorten, which is the plant's main off-season show. per NC State
Is it drought tolerant?
Sources split by climate. Established clumps take short dry spells in cool regions, but in heat it wants steady moisture and shade, and scorches when it dries out. per NC State and Arkansas
Does it get leaf spot?
RHS flags a possible leaf spot; NC State reports no known diseases. Both agree on the fix: plant in well-drained, airy soil and water at the roots, not overhead. per RHS and NC State
Why it is called pigsqueak
The common name comes from the squealing sound a leaf makes when you rub it between your fingers. per NC State
Deer and rabbit resistant
The thick, leathery, faintly bitter leaves are usually passed over by deer and rabbits, though very hungry deer under heavy pressure may still sample it. per Morton Arboretum and NC State
Leaf-chewing pests to watch
Slugs and snails rasp holes in the leaves and vine weevils notch the edges; both hide in the damp, shady litter the plant likes. per RHS and UC IPM
Tough, low-care groundcover
Valued as a low-care evergreen cover for edging, mass plantings, slopes, rock walls and shade, holding ground where turf struggles. It spreads slowly and is not invasive. per NC State and South Dakota State
What pairs well with Bergenia
Good companions share its growing conditions and add something it lacks: an earlier or later bloom, a lower carpet in front, or structure through winter.
Goatsbeard
Takes part sun to part shade and moderate water; blooms in early summer as this one finishes; taller at 3.9 ft, for the layer behind it; a soft color beside the pink.
Cleome
Takes full sun to part sun and moderate water; blooms in early summer as this one finishes; taller at 3.9 ft, for the layer behind it; echoes the pink.
Asiatic Lily
Takes full sun to part sun and moderate water; blooms in early summer as this one finishes; taller at 3.3 ft, for the layer behind it; echoes the pink.
Beautyberry
Shares part sun and moderate water; blooms in early summer as this one finishes; taller at 4.9 ft, for the layer behind it; echoes the pink.
Hollyhock
Takes full sun to part sun and moderate water; blooms in early summer as this one finishes; taller at 5.9 ft, for the layer behind it; echoes the pink.
Snowdrop
Takes part sun to part shade and moderate water; blooms in late winter, before this one opens; lower at 5 in, for the front of the border; its white flowers settle the pink.
Delphinium
Takes full sun to part sun and moderate water; blooms in early summer as this one finishes; taller at 4.6 ft, for the layer behind it.
Glory of the Snow
Takes full sun to part sun and moderate water; blooms in early spring, before this one opens; lower at 5 in, for the front of the border.
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