Bergenia

Bergenia Cordifolia – Best Plants In New Zealand!

Adding colourful plants such as Bergenia cordifolia to your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space.
• They attract birds.
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced.
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature.
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come.

At The Plant Company, we have the right variety of Bergenia for your space. These plants have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate, and we stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Bergenia plants, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Bergenia Questions

1. What are some interesting facts about Bergenia?

Some interesting facts about Bergenia:

• These hardy perennials are native to the cold, mountainous regions of Central Asia, so they can handle some serious winter weather. They can tolerate temperatures as low as -15°C and thrive in most temperate climates.
• Bergenia boasts beautiful bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white that emerge in late winter or early spring.
• The name "cobbler's plant" comes from the fact that the high tannin content in Bergenia leaves was once used by cobblers to tan leather.
• In traditional medicine, Bergenia has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including diarrhoea, fever, and earaches.
• In some cultures, Bergenia is seen as a symbol of long life and happiness, making it a popular choice for gardens and gifts.
• These low-maintenance plants are practically foolproof. They require little to no pruning, thrive in a variety of soil conditions, and are resistant to most pests and diseases.
• Bergenia can be used in a variety of ways in the garden. They make excellent groundcovers, border plants, and even rock garden additions.
• The leaves of Bergenia change colour throughout the year, from green in the summer to vibrant shades of red, purple, and orange in autumn and winter.

2. What does Bergenia attract?

Bergenia attracts bees and butterflies: The nectar-rich bell-shaped flowers of Bergenia are a magnet for these helpful pollinators, especially in early spring when there's not much else blooming. This vibrant splash of colour in the often-barren landscape makes them irresistible.

3. Where is the best place to plant bergenias?

Finding the best place to plant your Bergenias depends on a few key factors:

• Bergenias are actually quite adaptable to light conditions. They can thrive in full sun, partial shade, or even deep shade, though flowering may be reduced in deep shade. For the most abundant blooms, aim for partial shade (ideally with morning sun and afternoon shade).
• They prefer rich, moist, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. They're incredibly tough and can tolerate a wide range of soils, including poor soil, dry soil, clay soil, and even sandy soil. Just avoid waterlogged soil which can cause root rot.
• Bergenias are naturally cold-hardy and can handle temperatures down to -15°C. Consider if they need protection from harsh winds or extreme heat in your specific climate.
• Consider what you want the Bergenias to do for your garden. They can be used as groundcovers, border plants, edging plants, or even rock garden additions. This can help you decide on the spacing and placement.

Here are some specific "best places" to consider for your Bergenias based on their adaptability:

• Under trees and shrubs: They'll tolerate low light and appreciate the shelter from wind and sun.
• Dry shade: They'll add greenery and color to areas where other plants may struggle.
• Sun-drenched borders: They'll thrive and showcase their beautiful flowers, especially with regular watering.
• Gravel gardens: Their drought-tolerant nature makes them perfect for these low-maintenance areas.
• Along pathways: Their evergreen foliage offers year-round interest and their flowers add a pop of colour in spring.

4. What goes well with Bergenia?

Bergenias are fantastic companions in the garden, offering a combination of evergreen foliage, charming spring flowers, and low-maintenance appeal. Here are some great options to pair them with:

For contrasting textures and colors:

• Heuchera (Coral Bells): With a wide variety of foliage colors and textures, Heuchera provides a stunning contrast to Bergenia's glossy leaves. Choose contrasting shades like lime green Heuchera alongside burgundy Bergenia, or pair silver-toned Heuchera with green Bergenia for a cool palette.
• Ferns: The delicate, feathery fronds of ferns add a touch of elegance and softness to the bolder form of Bergenia. Try Japanese Painted Ferns for vibrant spring foliage, or Deer Ferns for graceful arching fronds.
• Grasses: Ornamental grasses like Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola' with its golden foliage or Molinia caerulea with its airy plumes offer movement and a textural contrast to Bergenia's dense leaves.

For complementary blooms:

• Pulmonaria (Lungwort): These shade-loving plants bloom with charming purple or blue flowers in early spring, creating a lovely color echo with Bergenia's own blossoms.
• Brunnera macrophylla (Siberian Bugloss): Similar to Pulmonaria, Brunnera offers blue or white flowers in spring, followed by attractive variegated foliage that complements Bergenia's evergreen leaves.
• Hostas: Hostas provide a lush contrast in summer with their large, textured leaves, and some varieties like 'June' or 'Frances Williams' offer fragrant white flowers that complement Bergenia's spring blooms.

Other great companions:

• Epimedium (Bishop's Hat): These shade-loving perennials have delicate heart-shaped leaves and charming yellow or pink flowers in spring, adding a touch of whimsy to your Bergenia planting.
• Astilbe: For late-summer colour, Astilbe with its feathery plumes in shades of pink, white, or purple makes a fantastic contrast to Bergenia's foliage.
• Columbines: These airy perennials with delicate flowers in a variety of colors add a vertical element and playful touch to your Bergenia bed.