What is Bergenia?
Bergenia is a permanent plant known for its hardness and its evergreen leaves. Sometimes they are also called Elephant ears for their large sheet size. In many climates, these plants have a wide, slightly curled leaves for most of the year. Colder weather causes the leaves to turn red during the autumn, adding color and interest to the gardens.
This plant comes from China and several species to other parts of Asia. The plant is named for Karl August von Bergen, a German botany from the 18th century, which helped introduce plants to Europe. Until the 19th century there were several species in full flower in North America, which has since produced various cultivars.
different species are translated into different heights of plants and flower colors. One of the best known is Bergenia cordifolia , which grows about 1.5 feet high (45.72 cm). At the end of winter and early spring, tall, one leg (30.48 cm), red stems are produced by clusters of bell -cast pink flowers. Other species show a number of whiteand dark red flowers.
leaves of this plant can be described as leather or somewhat rubber. The shape and texture of the leaves gained plants some interesting nicknames. In addition to ivory ear, Bergenia can be called Heartleaf, Pigsqueak, picnic plates or leather cabbage. The size of the leaves may vary from 2-12 inches (5.08-30.48 cm) and from 1-6 inches (2.54-15.24 cm). The spread of plants is about 1.5-2 feet (45,72-60,96), so Bergenias should be planted about two feet from each other for full cover of the Earth.
Bergenia is extremely resistant and can be planted north like Alaska, easily surviving colds. There are also several autumn flowering varieties, but this plant often provides some of the first flowers of spring, along with the types of bulb, such as crocuses, tulips and narcissa.
They are possible to grow from seeds, but also grow well from cuttings. The plant grows from rhizomes (longUnderground roots similar to a tube), which means that every two years you will have to break the rhizomes so that the plants do not attract each other and provide the best flowers. Bergenia prosper well in a partially shaded environment, but heavy winds can damage it in colder weather. It is good to either provide a little wind protection by stacking some pots around the plants during the winter, or by growing hedges that provide protection from wind.
These plants become more popular plants among ecologically conscious because they are resistant to drought. The leaves tend to attract slugs and snails, although the spread of cocoa beans around the plant can naturally help these pests. It is also an excellent choice for families with small children because the plants are non -toxic. The roots of the plants have been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries and in Ove you will find Bergeniral Counter Medicinals for weight loss and kidney health.