Perennials

Bergenia cordifolia

Bergenia cordifolia

Bergenia cordifolia: 50 cm high and 30 cm spread, sun to partial shade. Pink flowers in May-June. Zone 3; choose soil compatible with its moisture needs.

Format

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Exposure
Sun to partial shade
Life cycle
Hardy perennial
Hardiness
Zone 3

Discover the plant

Common nameBergenia cordifolia
FamilySaxifragaceae
GenusBergenia
Speciescordate-leaved
TypeHardy perennial
Botanical nameBergenia cordifolia

Bergenia cordifolia, known in the garden as heartleaf bergenia, combines pink-toned blooms with an easy-to-place volume in any composition. Its foliage features red hues, which can be highlighted among different textures. The usual flowering period is May-June. At maturity, expect 50 cm in height and 30 cm in width, which makes it suitable for mid-border placement and group plantings. The leaf color changes throughout the season, renewing interest after the first flowers.

To plant heartleaf bergenia, look for the following exposure: sun to partial shade and suitable soil (kept moist, Clayey). For heartleaf bergenia, regularly check the soil around the root ball: it should retain its freshness. Water at the base when the surface begins to dry and adjust watering according to rainfall; this exposure (sun to partial shade) does not eliminate water needs. Keep 30 cm as a general spacing between plants; this helps preserve their shape and access for care. The indicated hardiness level is zone 3, to be evaluated according to your garden conditions.

Throughout the seasons, heartleaf bergenia benefits from timely care: remove degraded leaves at the end of winter without systematically removing those that remain healthy. Keep the heart of the bergenia above mulch accumulations to protect its crown. For plant combinations, consider perennial geraniums, daylilies, and coneflowers in varieties with similar needs. Keep its 50 cm height in mind to place lower plants on the correct side and allow the flowers to be visible during May-June.

Bergénie cordifolia — Bergenia cordifolia

Planting guide

From planting to establishment.

Spacing / density 30 cm
Best planting time Spring after the thaw or early autumn, allowing time for the roots to settle before the severe cold.
Propagation Division of clumps. Seedlings do not guarantee the fidelity of a named cultivar.
Growing method
Bergenia cordifolia: Spring after the thaw or early autumn, allowing the roots time to establish before the severe cold. For Bergenia cordifolia, regularly check the soil around the root ball: it should remain moist. Water at the base when the surface begins to dry and adjust watering according to rainfall; this exposure (sun to partial shade) does not eliminate the need for water. Keep the heart of the bergenia above any mulch accumulations to protect its crown.

Soil and care

The right care,at the right time.

Soil pH

Acid to neutral to alkaline; general indication of the botanical group

Care level

Regular maintenance

Watering

For Bergenia cordifolia, regularly check the soil around the root ball: it should remain moist. Water the base when the surface starts to dry and adjust the amount according to rainfall; this exposure (sun to partial shade) does not eliminate the need for water.

Soil type

Kept moist, Clayey

Fertilization

Fertilizer for flowering

Moisture

Regular freshness during growth

Seasonal care

Bergenia cordifolia: remove damaged leaves at the end of winter without systematically removing those that remain healthy. During its flowering period (May-June), also monitor damaged stems and neighboring plants that might obscure the clump.

Container growing

A garden,within reach.

Recommended pot size

Stable and perforated container, significantly wider than the root ball; size to be adapted to the format sold and the adult development.
To grow Bergenia cordifolia in a container, choose a stable pot with drainage holes, suited to the root ball and its future size (30 cm). The substrate must remain moist; it will dry out faster than in open ground. Plan to protect the container in winter depending on your climate.
Bergénie cordifolia — Bergenia cordifolia

Bloom and dimensions

Its place,in your garden.

Mature height

19 inches (48.5 cm)

Width / spread

30 cm

Flower color

Pink

Foliage color

Green

Foliage type

Evergreen to semi-evergreen depending on climate

Growth rate

Moderate

Growth habit

Erected

Fragrance

Undocumented for this selection

Bloom period

May-June
Bergénie cordifolia — Bergenia cordifolia

Garden associations

In goodcompany.

Companion plants

Associations to consider for Bergenia cordifolia: perennial geraniums, daylilies, coneflowers. Choose varieties that tolerate sun to partial shade and comparable moisture; allow each clump its adult space.

Plants to avoid

Around Bergenia cordifolia, above all, avoid neighbors that would cover its leaves or strongly compete with its root ball. Compatibility of light, water, and size takes precedence over a list of so-called enemy plants.

Frequently asked questions

Your questions,answered.

Where to plant Bergenia cordifolia?
Provide full sun to partial shade and a suitable soil (moist, clay). Keep the Bergenia's heart above any mulch accumulation to protect its crown.
What place should be given to *Bergenia cordifolia*?
Expect a height of about 50 cm and a width of 30 cm at maturity. Approximately 30 cm between centers, to be adjusted based on the actual development of the clump. This size is suitable for use in the middle of a flowerbed and for group plantings.
When does Bergenia cordifolia bloom?
The indicated period is May-June. The flower color is pink. The exact date and duration depend on the climate, the season, and the plant's establishment.
How to water and care for Bergenia cordifolia?
For Bergenia cordifolia, regularly check the soil around the root ball: it must remain moist. Water at the base when the surface starts to dry out and adjust the amount of water according to rainfall; this exposure (full sun to partial shade) does not eliminate the need for water. Remove damaged leaves at the end of winter without systematically removing those that remain healthy.
Can Bergénie cordifolia be grown in pots?
To try Bergenia cordifolia in a container, choose a stable pot with drainage holes, suited to the root ball and its future size (30 cm). The substrate must remain moist; it will dry out more quickly than in open ground. Plan to protect the container in winter depending on your climate.

Wildlife and pets

Life,around your plants.