Sakura Bergenia Bergenia 'Sakura' (Dragonfly Series)
ABOUT
The Bergenia 'Sakura', which is part of the Dragonfly Series, is a charming perennial plant known for its appealing appearance. This Bergenia variety is named 'Sakura' reminiscent of cherry blossoms with its pretty pink flowering display. The plant features large, glossy, and bold leaves that are rounded at the bases and have a heart-like shape. These leaves can change color through the seasons, usually ranging from green to a bronze hue in the colder months, adding year-round interest. As the plant blooms, one can observe clusters of delicate bell-shaped flowers that hang gracefully from red tinted stems above the foliage. The flowers are typically a soft pink color that gives off an appearance similar to cherry blossoms, which is where the 'Sakura' name derives from. The bloom period is in early spring, where the plant becomes a focal point in any garden with its gentle shades and impressive leafy backdrop. The Bergenia 'Sakura' is also appreciated for its clump-forming habit, creating a dense mat of foliage that can be quite effective as groundcover. The robust leaves and eye-catching flowers make it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add texture and color to their planting schemes. Overall, the appearance of this garden gem conveys a sense of lushness and vibrancy that can enhance both shaded and partially sunny areas of a garden landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae
Synonyms
Sakura Bergenia, Cherry Blossom Bergenia
Common names
Bergenia 'Sakura'.
ToxicityTo humans
Sakura Bergenia is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. There are no significant reports or studies indicating the presence of harmful toxins in this plant that would lead to poisoning upon ingestion. However, it is always advisable to exercise caution and avoid eating plants that are not recognized as edible, especially in substantial quantities. If accidental ingestion does occur and symptoms arise, it is important to seek medical advice.
To pets
Sakura Bergenia is generally considered non-toxic to pets. There is no widely recognized evidence that suggests the consumption of this plant should lead to any severe symptoms of poisoning in pets such as dogs or cats. Nevertheless, ingestion of non-food items can sometimes cause mild gastrointestinal upset in animals. If you notice any unusual symptoms in your pet after ingestion of this plant, it is best to consult with a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1 foot [30 cm]
Spread
1 foot [30 cm]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Bergenia 'Sakura' has a striking appearance with its vivid pink blooms and lush green foliage, making it a favorite for adding color and beauty to gardens.
- Seasonal Interest: This plant offers year-round interest, with flowers in the spring and red or purple leaves in the fall and winter.
- Low Maintenance: Bergenia 'Sakura' is known for being easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance once established.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of drought, making it suitable for gardens in drier climates or for gardeners looking for water-wise plants.
- Cold Hardy: It is resilient in cold weather and can survive in climates with harsh winters, down to USDA hardiness zones 4 or 5.
- Shade Tolerance: This plant is capable of thriving in partial shade, providing flexibility in garden placement.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistance: The foliage is typically resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits, reducing the need for protective measures.
- Attracts Pollinators: The blooms of Bergenia 'Sakura' attract bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for pollinating gardens.
- Soil Versatility: It can adapt to a range of soil types, though it prefers well-drained, fertile soil.
- Erosion Control: With its dense growth habit, it can help prevent soil erosion on slopes or in areas prone to erosion.
- Container Gardening: This plant is also well-suited for container gardening, offering flexibility for those with limited garden space.
- Companion Planting: Bergenia 'Sakura' pairs well with other shade-loving plants, making it ideal for designing layered, textured garden spaces.
- Evergreen Qualities: Depending on the climate, its foliage can remain evergreen throughout the year, providing constant visual interest.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography prop: Bergenia 'Sakura' offers picturesque blossoms that enhance the aesthetic of macro or garden photography.
- Educational specimen: Its distinct growth pattern can be used in plant biology classes for studying rhizomatous perennials.
- Art inspiration: Artists may use the unique form and color of the Bergenia 'Sakura' flowers and leaves as subject matter for paintings and illustrations.
- Pressed flowers craft: The flowers and leaves can be pressed and used in crafting, such as making bookmarks or in scrapbooking.
- Winter garden interest: Due to its evergreen foliage, it can be planted for year-round visual interest, particularly in winter gardens.
- Living mulch: Dense growth can suppress weeds, acting as a living mulch that reduces garden maintenance.
- Color dye source: The leaves and petals may potentially be used to create natural dyes for fabrics or art projects.
- Theme gardens: Suitable for inclusion in dragon or fantasy-themed gardens due to its series name 'Dragonfly'.
- Pond edge planting: Its tolerance for varied conditions allows it to be planted at the edges of ponds for enhanced landscaping.
- Leaf texture study: The thick, leathery leaves of the plant can be used for texture analysis or as a tactile learning tool in sensory gardens.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Bergenia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Bergenia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Endurance: The Bergenia plant is known for its leathery leaves which remain evergreen throughout the year. This symbolizes resilience and the ability to withstand challenging conditions.
- Adaptation: Being part of the Dragonfly series, and with Bergenia's ability to thrive in both shade and sun, it represents adaptability and flexibility in life.
- Protection: The thick leaves of Bergenia are often seen as protective shields, symbolizing safety and shelter.
- Transformation: The 'Sakura' variety, with its cherry blossom-like flowers, carries the symbolism of renewal and rebirth, much like the cherry blossoms in Japanese culture.
WaterTo water Bergenia, commonly known as 'Sakura' (Dragonfly Series) or just Elephant's Ears, allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. This plant shouldn't be kept in soggy soil, so a weekly check of the soil moisture is recommended. Depending on the humidity and temperature, water the plant deeply once every one to two weeks, ensuring that excess water drains away. A general guideline would be to provide about one gallon of water for outdoor plants or several ounces for smaller indoor pots each time you water, without oversaturating the soil.
LightElephant's Ears or 'Sakura' (Dragonfly Series) Bergenia thrives in a location with partial shade to filtered sunlight. They can tolerate a few hours of morning sunlight but should be protected from harsh, direct afternoon rays. An ideal spot would be one that receives bright, indirect light for most of the day, which helps to promote blooms and healthy foliage without the risk of leaf burn.
TemperatureElephant's Ears prefer a temperature range of 60°F to 75°F for healthy growth, which is a typical indoor environment. They can survive outdoors with temperatures as low as 30°F, but frost and prolonged exposure to temperatures below freezing can damage the plant. Ideally, keep them away from drafts and extreme heat to maintain their optimal comfort zone.
PruningPruning Elephant's Ears involves removing spent flower stalks and damaged leaves to encourage healthy growth and tidiness. Perform this task after flowering, typically in late spring or early summer. Regular pruning isn't generally necessary, but an annual tidy-up can help maintain the attractiveness of the plant. The best time for substantial pruning is in early spring before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBergenia 'Sakura', commonly known as Sakura Bergenia, thrives best in a soil mix that is rich, moist, and well-draining, with a pH range of 5.8 to 6.5. A mixture containing loamy garden soil, peat, and coarse sand or perlite is ideal to facilitate drainage and provide necessary nutrients. Regular organic matter additions will help maintain soil health and structure.
RepottingSakura Bergenia, generally needs to be repotted every 2 to 3 years to prevent overcrowding and to refresh the soil. It's best to repot in the spring just before new growth begins, taking care to handle the thick roots gently and ensuring that the new pot offers enough room for growth.
Humidity & MistingBergenia 'Sakura', or Sakura Bergenia, tolerates a wide range of humidity levels but prefers moderate humidity. If grown indoors, maintaining a humidity level of around 40-50% would be ideal. Avoid overly dry air, which can cause the leaf edges to brown.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Sakura Bergenia in bright, indirect light with moderate humidity.
Outdoor
Plant Sakura Bergenia in partial shade and moist, fertile soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Bergenia 'Sakura', commonly known as the Sakura Bergenia, begins life as a seed, which upon germination sends forth roots and shoots that emerge as basal rosettes. These rosettes grow leaves that are thick and leathery, forming the base for what will become clumps. As the plant matures, it develops sturdy flower stalks from the center of the rosette, heralding the beginning of the blooming stage in early spring where it displays pink flowers shaped like clusters of small bells. After pollination, typically by insects, the flowers will develop into seed capsules, completing the reproductive cycle. Once seeds are dispersed, the parent plant continues to grow vegetatively, expanding in size and potentially dividing, which gardeners often use to propagate and create new plants. During winter, the plant enters a dormant phase, though its evergreen leaves remain visible, before restarting its growth cycle in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Bergenia 'Sakura' from the Dragonfly Series can be propagated by division. The most suitable time to propagate this plant is in the spring or early fall when the plant is not in active bloom. To divide the Bergenia 'Sakura', one should carefully dig around the plant and lift it from the ground with as much of the root ball intact as possible. Once the plant is out of the soil, shake off excess dirt and gently tease apart the clumps into smaller sections, ensuring that each division has a good amount of roots attached. These divisions can then be replanted into well-prepared soil, spaced approximately 12 inches (about 30 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. It's important to keep newly planted divisions well-watered to ensure they establish in their new locations.
