On Thu, 27 Apr 2006 19:42:14 +0100, "Sue"
wrote:

What does the panel think is the secret of getting shy-to-flower
Bergenias to perform?

I have a smaller leaved pink variety (can't remember the name) which has
spread slowly in the last few years but been disappointing as regards
flowering. I've read that a sunny position is best but this one is in
the sun most of the day. It gets some garden compost when I mulch the
border. A Bressingham White, in another bed that's shaded in the
afternoons, flowers it's head off every year. Do I need to feed the
first
one more, or less, or just give up and find a better one?

When did you last divide it? IME they can get old and tired,
especially in the centre. Dig it up; chop off chunks from around the
edge with a sharp knife or spade, and replant them, discarding the old
bit in the middle. They're almost indestructible BTW, so you won't
lose it. Mine have even survived a cycle through the (cold) compost
heap and come again!


--
Chris

E-mail: christopher[dot]hogg[at]virgin[dot]net