Re: [SG] dry shade---Bergenia

In a message dated 2/24/99 11:13:57 PM Eastern Standard Time, CCREDUX@AOL.COM
writes:

<< <<Tell us your secret in growing these. I finally gave up! Was I perhaps
giving
 them to much light? Water? Soil too "rich?"
 These were favorites of Mrs. Jekyll, by the by. I have never seen them grown
 well in midwest gardens I have seen. Is it too hot here?>>>>

Here is the dreadful part when you set yourself up as an expert.  I have no
secret.  I have grown them from seed.  I have purchased them in the Agway for
99 cents.  I have several sorts but I think you would find cordifolia easiest
to purchase.  This one grows large shiny green leaves, somtimes with a red
edge. There are spikes of crowded pink flowers in the spring.  In the fall,
my plants turn bright red and stay that way until covered by snow.  Bergenia
grows overtime into many crowned clumps easily divided.  It grows here in the
most plant unfriendly places and never needs water.  A drift of bergenia under
the trees or shrubs is very substantial looking. They will be tattered in
spring and need a few weeks to grow new leaves.

Clyde, where I have fertile, moist shady soil I would never plant begenia.
There are so many other plants to try.  I would, however, give any plant
intended for dry shade a very good start in life and continue until you feel
it is established.

Bergenia is a tough plant.

 <<<<BTW, how is it pronounced? Bur-jen-eee-ah or Bur-gen(hard "g")--ee-- ah
or
 something else? >>>>

I bet Ms. Jekyll said bur-jen-eee-ah.

Claire Peplowski
East Nassau, NY
z4
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