Bergenias come from the meadows, rocky moorlands and moist woodlands of central and eastern Asia, but are now much loved denizens of our gardens, valued for their glossy architectural leaves and white, pink or red flowers. 'Ballawley' is an asset to a winter garden, as its mid-green, twelve inch leaves turn a wonderful rich bronze purple. In spring, crimson bell shaped flowers appear on striking red stems. Bergenias do not fare well in extremes of heat and drought, but tolerate cold, exposed conditions and poor soil. In fact, poor soil enhances their winter colour.
Propagation: Divide deteriorating dumps or root rhizome sections every three to five years in autumn or spring. Young rhizome sections with one or more leaf rosettes may be rooted in autumn. |
In the wild, Helleborus niger comes in a variety of shades from creamy white to dark pink but, in cultivation, we associate it with white flowers. This variety has been available for some years now, with particularly large (two to four inch), beautiful, bowl shaped, shining white flowers with green eyes. The flowers appear from early winter to early spring on sturdy purple flecked stems above its dark green and leathery lobed leaves. Helleborus niger and its 'Potter's Wheel' variety can be unpredictable in growth, so give them ideal conditions. They like heavy, neutral to alkaline soil in dappled shade sheltered from cold winds. It is best to incorporate organic matter when planting and to mulch every autumn.
Propagation: Divide after flowering in early spring. |
This vinca is quite invaluable as a ground cover plant for the shady areas under shrubs or trees, or at the back of a border in front of a yew hedge. Being evergreen, it helps to furnish the garden throughout the year, and its narrow, lance shaped, glossy leaves, up to three inches long, look good all through the winter. As spring begins to make its appearance, upright shoots carry single, star like, whitish or pale blue, one and a half inch flowers, which greatly add to its charm. Vincas have a reputation for being invasive, but Vinca difformis is less so than other members of the family. It may be grown in any soil that is not too dry, either in sun or partial shade but it will flower better when it is in full sun.
Propagation: Divide from autumn to spring. |
