Bergenias - they are known for their beautiful flowers, which sit high above the foliage on a straight stem. In order to be able to enjoy the plant for more than just one season, it needs the right amount of care in addition to a suitable location!
How do I care for my Bergenia properly?
Bergenia care includes proper watering, occasional fertilizing, protection from pests, repotting and dividing, and pruning. Drought tolerance, good drainage, nutrient supply and regular rejuvenation of the plant are important.
What should you pay attention to when watering?
In the open field, falling rain is usually sufficient to ensure irrigation of the bergenia. However, if it is in a pot on the terrace, for example, you should regularly check the soil for dryness. As soon as the top layer of soil has dried, this flowering perennial should be watered.
Sometimes there is too much moisture in the summer months caused by thunderstorms. To prevent the plant from getting wet feet and rotting due to excessive water in the root area, good drainage should be added to the soil or planter when planting.
How often should you fertilize?
If you plant the bergenia in nutrient-rich soil or repot the plant in the pot in fresh potting soil every year, most of the time you don't need to fertilize it. Do you want to stimulate flowering and growth? Then fertilize the bergenia once a year in the fall. Compost, a slow-release fertilizer (€11.00 on Amazon) or nettle manure are ideal.
Is bergenia susceptible to diseases and pests?
There are no specific diseases that could affect bergenia. In contrast, black weevils are after the plant. Prevent an infestation of these pests by adding nematodes to the irrigation water.
How to repot and divide it?
The Bergenia should be repotted in the pot at least every two years. The best time for this is before or after flowering. At the same time, repotting is an optimal time to divide the plant in order to rejuvenate or propagate it.
Does the bergenia need pruning?
- cut after flowering
- depending on the variety either in spring (early bloomers) or autumn (late bloomers)
- Cut flower stems close to the ground
- grown too high: cut back to the ground
- also remove old leaves
Tip
In most cases, the bergenia is watered over. In contrast to wet conditions, it copes much better with temporary dryness.
