Bergenia Bergenia 'Autumn Magic'
ABOUT
Bergenia 'Autumn Magic' is an ornamental plant known for its striking foliage and flowers. The leaves are broad, glossy, and leathery, often with a rounded or heart-shaped base. They typically display a rich, deep green color throughout the growing season, but as the name suggests, they transition into dramatic hues of red, bronze, or purple during the autumn, providing a colorful display as temperatures drop. The plant produces clusters of bell-shaped flowers, which rise above the foliage on stout stems. These flowers can range in color from pink to deep magenta, contributing to the plant's visual impact. Despite the absence of discussions regarding the overall dimensions, the plant has a robust and compact look that can add texture and a splash of color to gardens or landscaped spaces. The combination of the attractive year-round foliage and the showy blooms makes Bergenia 'Autumn Magic' a popular choice for gardeners looking to add winter interest to their planting schemes. Depending on the environment and care provided, the appearance and color intensity may vary slightly, making each specimen unique in its display.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae
Synonyms
Pigsqueak, Elephant's Ears, Heartleaf Bergenia, Leather Bergenia, Saxifrage
Common names
Bergenia ciliata 'Autumn Magic'.
ToxicityTo humans
Bergenia, commonly known as 'Autumn Magic', does not have a well-documented profile for being toxic to humans. However, as with many plants not typically used for consumption, it is generally advisable to avoid ingesting it. There is no specific information on the symptoms of Bergenia poisoning in humans, but if someone ingests a part of the Bergenia plant and experiences unusual symptoms, medical advice should be sought.
To pets
Bergenia, known as 'Autumn Magic' in the common parlance, is not specifically listed as toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. However, the lack of documentation does not guarantee safety, and some animals may react differently to certain plants. If a pet ingests Bergenia and shows signs of distress such as vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual lethargy, it is important to contact a veterinarian promptly. It is best to err on the side of caution and keep pets from consuming plants that are not known to be safe for them.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Varied
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herbaceous
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive foliage - Bergenia 'Autumn Magic' features large, rounded leaves that add a lush, tropical look to the garden.
- Seasonal interest - The leaves turn striking shades of red and bronze in the fall, providing visual interest throughout multiple seasons.
- Flower display - It produces pink to red flowers in late winter to early spring, offering early blooms when few other plants are flowering.
- Drought tolerance - Once established, Bergenia 'Autumn Magic' can tolerate periods of drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
- Low maintenance - This plant requires minimal care, making it ideal for gardeners seeking low-maintenance landscaping options.
- Pest and disease resistance - It is generally resistant to pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments in the garden.
- Cold hardiness - Bergenia 'Autumn Magic' is cold-tolerant, able to survive in cooler climates and withstand frost with ease.
- Versatility in landscaping - It can be used in a variety of garden settings, such as borders, groundcovers, rock gardens, and as under-plantings for shrubs and trees.
- Attracts pollinators - The flowers can attract bees and other pollinators, promoting biodiversity and aiding the pollination of surrounding plants.
- Evergreen qualities - In milder climates, the foliage remains evergreen throughout the year, providing continuous greenery.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photographic Stabilizer: The extracts from Bergenia leaves have been explored for their use in stabilizing silver halides in photographic emulsions.
- Natural Fabric Dye: The rich, pigmented leaves can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, producing a range of colors from greens to browns.
- Garden Sculpture Accents: The broad, leathery leaves can persist through the winter, allowing them to be utilized in garden sculptures or iced decorations.
- Water Feature Plants: Bergenia 'Autumn Magic' can be grown at the water's edge in garden ponds, contributing to the naturalistic setting and providing cover for wildlife.
- Floral Arrangements: The plant's foliage, which changes color in autumn, can be used in floral arrangements to add an unusual textural element.
- Eco-printing Material: The leaves of Bergenia 'Autumn Magic' can be used in eco-printing processes to transfer the leaf shapes and pigments onto paper or textiles.
- Education and Study: Used in horticulture and botany education as an example of plant adaptation and survival through seasonal changes.
- Landscape Design: Can serve as a living example of the use of seasonal color and texture in landscape design curricula or workshops.
- Ground Cover: Its ability to form dense clusters makes it a useful plant for ground cover, preventing soil erosion and weed growth in certain areas.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not traditionally consumed, the flowers can be used as edible garnishes for dishes that require a splash of color; always ensure no pesticides or harmful chemicals are present.
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- Resilience: Bergenia, often called the 'Autumn Magic', tends to be a hardy plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions, symbolizing one's ability to endure and withstand challenges.
- Transformation: The 'Autumn Magic' part of its name reflects the plant's remarkable change in foliage color during the fall, representing transformation and adaptability in life.
- Consistency: Bergeania retains its leaves throughout the seasons, embodying the idea of steadfastness and reliability.
- Protection: With its large, tough leaves, Bergenia is often seen as a symbol of shelter and protection.
WaterPigsqueak should be watered thoroughly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. They need consistent moisture, particularly during the active growing season in spring and fall. During these periods, they may require water every week, especially if the weather is dry. You might provide about one gallon of water per plant during each watering session. In winter, reduce watering significantly but do not let the soil completely dry out.
LightPigsqueak thrives in partial shade to full sun conditions. It's best suited for a spot that receives morning sun with dappled light or full shade in the afternoon. These lighting conditions are essential to prevent leaf scorch yet provide enough light for healthy growth.
TemperaturePigsqueak prefers temperate climates and can survive in temperatures ranging from around 0 degrees Fahrenheit during winter dormancy to about 85 degrees Fahrenheit in active growth phases. The ideal temperature range for vigorous growth would be between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPigsqueak should be pruned to remove spent flower stalks and to tidy up the plant after blooming, which can stimulate a second flush of flowers. Pruning can be done as needed, typically once in mid-spring and then again after the fall flowering has finished. Cutting back the foliage in late winter before new growth starts helps to maintain a clean and attractive plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilElephant's Ears thrive in well-draining, organically rich soil with a pH of 5.6 to 7.5. Mix garden soil with compost and peat moss in equal parts for optimal growth.
RepottingElephant's Ears should be repotted every 2-3 years or if it outgrows its current pot to maintain its health and vigor.
Humidity & MistingElephant's Ears prefer moderate to high humidity levels but are adaptable to average home humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use well-draining soil, bright indirect light, and water when topsoil is dry.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, mulch well, and water regularly.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleBergenia 'Autumn Magic', commonly known as Autumn Magic Bergenia, begins its life cycle as a seed, which once sown, germinates in moist, well-drained soil. After germination, it develops into a seedling and, given proper conditions, matures into a clump-forming perennial with broad, leathery leaves. Throughout spring and summer, it undergoes vegetative growth, with the leaves expanding and often turning reddish in fall, displaying its characteristic 'Autumn Magic'. During late winter to early spring, it produces clusters of small, bell-shaped pink to red flowers atop stout stems. After flowering, the plant sets seed, completing its reproductive cycle, although Bergenia is more commonly propagated by division. As a perennial, it enters a period of dormancy in winter, resuming growth in the following spring, thus continuing its life cycle for several years.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Bergenia 'Autumn Magic', commonly known as autumn magic bergenia, is generally propagated by division. The most favorable time to carry out this method is in the spring or early fall when the plant is not in active growth. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant and gently separate the rhizomes, ensuring that each division has at least one growing point or bud. These divisions can then be replanted in well-prepared soil, ideally enriched with organic matter, at a depth where the crown of the plant is level with the soil surface. Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly and keep the soil consistently moist until the plants are well established. Division not only helps create new plants but also rejuvenates older clumps that might have become woody or less vigorous over time.
