La bergenia crassifolia u Winter hydrangea as it is also known, is a type of perennial herbaceous plant native to the regions of Central Asia, where they can be seen in the wild from China to cold Siberia, which is indicated by their resistance and strength to extreme climatic conditions.
Belongs to the family sassifragacee It includes more than 500 species of flowering plants. It owes its name to the famous German botanist Karl August Von Bergen. It is a very versatile ornamental plant that does not require special care.
Features
La bergenia crassifolia It is a perennial species, with large and wide leaves, leathery in appearance, green in color, its irregular edges can be wavy or serrated, the leaves also show striking veins in which the green intensifies, until assuming a kind of darkening in its tonality. During the winter period they assume a reddish colorThis being a small plant that reaches an average size of 40 cm and a width of about 45 cm.
In full bloom, hydrangea has small, bell-like budsThey are collected in panicles and during the flowering period space is made between the leaves; At the end of winter and from the center of the clusters some thin stems begin, which bloom with various colors that go from white to purple and that with time they become darker. Its flowering occurs in the spring period.
Parasites and diseases
Among the parasites that threaten the plant, there is the red weevil, a dangerous insect that can kill the Bergenia, so it must be eliminated quickly. There is also the oziorrinco, which feeds on the leaves of the plant and the scary snails. Another danger is the stagnation of water or excessive humidity, which puts the plant at risk of acquiring mold and fungi.
Unlike other plants, its reproduction by means of cuttings is not recommended, because its stems are too fleshy and it is difficult for the plant to emit roots.
La bergenia crassifolia It is an easy plant to plant, in relation to the sun it does not require much care. Consequently, you can expose it more or less to the elements according to your requirements, because it resists even the most inclement winters. Now and if you prefer to place it in a very sunny area in summer, we recommend that it be in a place with a little shade, to avoid that its leaves can burn with high temperatures.
Planting and care
This species adapts very well to different types of soil, to the point that it can easily develop in any soil. However, it is recommended that you choose one that is moist enough, well drained, and has an alkaline pH. If in your house you do not have a soil with these characteristics, or you prefer to plant it in a pot, you can do it in generic soil and you will only have to add sand and peat.
Usually, the bergenia crassifolia like most of its species it must be in very humid soil. Therefore, to prevent the soil from drying out, it requires abundant watering during spring and summer, on the contrary, it must remain very humid.
During these periods of the year, depending on the state of the land, at least one weekly watering should be done. But always taking care that moisture stagnation does not occur, in order to prevent the roots of this plant from rotting and exposing the plant to possible parasites and diseases.
During the coldest months, the plant requires little watering, you can even suspend it, but without neglecting the state of hydration of the soil, especially in those periods of drought. Now and if it is planted in your garden, irrigation may not be necessary, because the rains are generally sufficient for the necessary absorption.
Although it is a plant very resistant to climatic variations, type of soils and does not require special care, if you want a better and more beautiful flowering, you can make use of fertilizers. Regarding pruning, the hydrangea does not require pruning, its care is reduced to eliminating the dried flowers and leaves, cutting from the base with special clean scissors.