Re: bergenia

I missed the original posting, either deleted too fast or never got it, but
1) yes Bergenia seems to start well from seed and 2) there are a number of
excellent pink and white flowering cultivars, but here mine seldom flower.I
think the buds may get frosted.  That's not a problem for me because I grow
it primarily for it's foliage anyway.  Bressingham Ruby in particular seems
to turn a lovely red in the fall, and during the main growing season I find
it makes an excellent shape contrast next to the highly dissected leaves of
perennial geraniums or the long grassy foliage of siberian iris.  Mine are
grown in full sun and never seem to burn but I understand that in more
southernly latitudes they need to be grown in partly shady spots.

Speaking of foliage contrasts you might want to try planting doronicum
(Leopard's Bane) near your tulips or daffodils. The heart shaped leaves
provide a nice contrast to the longer leaves of the bulbs and for me the
doronicum blooms about the same time as the "King Alfred" type daffs, so
the yellow daisy type flowers make a nice shape contrast too.  They do go
dormant in warm climates I understand but mine just sort of slow down a bit
in mid summer rather than dieing back.  And I haven't seen a leopard in the
garden since I planted them as a bonus.

Bob Campbell
USDA 4.

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