Guide to growing Bergenia Siberian Tea
Bergenia is a hardy perennial that flowers from the late spring until the early Summer.
It is also referred to by the names Siberian Tea and Pig Squeak.
The plant may grow up to 45cm in size and bears small, clustered, trumpet shaped flowers of white or pink.
Siberian Tea is best used as an edging plant.
How to grow Siberian Tea (Bergenia)
When planting Bergenia outdoors it is best to sow out the seeds on the surface in the early spring; it is important to sow out Siberian tea before the last frost, as it requires this for germination. if you plan to grow Siberian tea indoors first then the seeds should first be placed in moist soil, placed in a plastic bag, and refrigerated for two weeks before shifting to the light. Growth of Bergenia should then continue at a temperature of 15 to 21 degrees Celsius. It usually takes from one to six months for this garden plant to germinate. Bergenia seedlings should then be transplanted outdoors into an area of full sunlight or a lightly shaded part of the garden. Seedlings should be planted at a distance of 30 to 45cm in moist soil with a pH of between 6 and 7.
Caring for Berenia in the garden
Bergenia should be lightly fertilized in the spring, and kept well watered. The use of slug pellets is highly recommend and dead parts of the plant should be removed regularly.