Originally hailing from the mountains of Central and East Asia, Bergenia (often called Elephant’s Ears) is about as tough and low-maintenance as they come. Once you see how reliable these beauties are in your garden, you’ll probably want to spread them around! The best way to do that? Dividing the root ball.
Why Dividing is the Way to Go
While you could technically try propagating Bergenia from seeds or cuttings, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it. Getting those tiny seeds to actually germinate is a real test of patience that even seasoned gardeners find tricky. And as for cuttings? Well, you have to dig up the root ball to get them anyway. If you’re already going to the trouble of lifting the plant, you might as well go with division—it’s much easier and has a way higher success rate.
How to Do It Right
The perfect time to divide your Bergenia is right after it finishes blooming. Start by grabbing a garden fork and gently lifting the root ball out of the ground. Try to be as careful as possible to keep those delicate fine roots intact. Once it’s out, you can use a sharp spade or a knife to make your cuts. The golden rule here: make sure every single piece has some fresh, green leaves attached. If you see any brown, crispy leaves, go ahead and trim those off.
Replanting Your New Additions
Now comes the fun part—finding new spots in your yard for your new plants! Bergenias aren’t picky at all; they’ll thrive in full sun, deep shade, or anything in between. Just make sure to space your planting holes at least 16 inches (40 cm) apart so they have room to breathe. Before you tuck them in, loosen up the soil and mix in some compost to give them a nice nutrient boost for a strong start. Give them a good soak once they’re in the ground, and they should settle into their new homes within about four weeks.
Quick Checklist for Dividing Bergenia:
- Timing: Do it right after the flowering season ends.
- Lifting: Use a garden fork to gently pry the root ball up.
- Cutting: Ensure every new section has healthy leaves.
- Planting: Loosen the soil and enrich it with compost before watering well.
