Product Description
Bergenia 'Ripple Effect' PPAF (20)ct Flat
Common Name: Pigsqueak
Unique even among Bergenia, 'Ripple Effect' is set to stand out in the landscape with a robust habit of massive 13" wide leaves. The glossy green leaves are circular with a serrated, wavy margin. This is an excellent perennial to add architectural effect in the shade. Unlike other Bergenia, this is not evergreen and will go completely dormant after fall frost.
Bergenia can be used in a variety of ways in the landscape. It is most impressive when used as a durable, evergreen groundcover, but it can also be used in containers and rock gardens. It is quite effective at softening the hard edges of pavement and also works well as an edging or filler plant in flower borders.
Height: 26.0-28.0 Inches
Spread: 36.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: White Shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun) to Full Shade (< 4 hrs. Direct Sun)
Average Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Spring
Attracts Butterflies
Bee Friendly
Deer and Rabbit Resistant
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Container, Cut Flower, Easy To Grow, Edging, Ground Cover, Salt Tolerant
Bergenia 'Ripple Effect' is a unique and bold variety of Bergenia, also known as pig squeak. This intriguing name comes from the sound the leaves make when rubbed together, especially after a summer rain. This plant is prized for its large, architectural leaves that can grow up to 13 inches wide. The leaves are glossy green with serrated edges and wavy margins. In the spring, clusters of white flowers emerge from between the leaves, adding to the plant's visual appeal.
Bergenia 'Ripple Effect' is a deciduous perennial that typically grows to be about 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide. It is hardy in USDA zones 5-9 and prefers partial shade to full shade. It can tolerate full sun in northern regions, but it needs afternoon shade in the south. Unlike other Bergenia varieties that are evergreen, 'Ripple Effect' goes dormant after the first frost of fall. This plant thrives in moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It is also highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner-city environments.
One of the key features of Bergenia 'Ripple Effect' is its large leaf size, which sets it apart from other Bergenia varieties. The leaves can grow up to 13 inches wide, creating a bold and dramatic effect in the landscape. The plant blooms in early spring, mid-spring, and late spring , with clusters of white flowers emerging from between the large leaves.
Bergenia 'Ripple Effect' is drought-tolerant once established and deer and rabbit resistant. It is also salt-tolerant , making it a good choice for coastal gardens. The plant attracts butterflies , adding to its value in a wildlife-friendly garden. This unique Bergenia is a hybrid of Bergenia ciliata and Bergenia pacumbis.
Care Requirements Bergenia 'Ripple Effect' is a relatively low-maintenance plant. It grows well with even moisture and regular water. Here is a breakdown of its care requirements:
- Watering This plant requires regular watering during the first year after planting. However, once established, it is drought-tolerant and only needs occasional watering during dry spells. It is best to avoid overwatering, as Bergenia does not like soggy soil.
- Fertilizing While Bergenia 'Ripple Effect' does not require much fertilizing once established, it may appreciate a shot of general-purpose fertilizer from time to time early in the growing season.
- Winter Care Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates.
- Pruning To maintain a tidy appearance, remove any old or damaged leaves. In the spring, trim away any leaves that have become torn and tattered over winter to make way for fresh, new foliage growth. After the plant flowers, deadhead to remove the spent blooms and their stalks. This will make your Bergenia look tidier and may prompt new flowers to emerge later in the season. Do not cut back the plant in the fall, as Bergenia needs the leaves for food to survive the winter.
- Dividing To keep plants looking their best, you should divide them every 3-4 years in the spring, or when they start to die out in the middle. This should be done after flowering. Dig up the whole clump, discard the woody center, and use a sharp garden knife to cut the remaining rhizomes into large sections, making sure each one has several leaves attached.
- Propagation Bergenia 'Ripple Effect' can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.
Diseases Bergenia 'Ripple Effect' is generally disease- and pest-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to the following diseases:
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease manifests as white powdery patches on leaves, especially in humid conditions. Improve air circulation and apply fungicide if necessary.
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause leaf spots, stem cankers, and wilting. Remove infected leaves and avoid overhead watering. Fungicide application may be needed in severe cases.
- Crown and root rot: This fungal disease primarily affects poorly drained soil. It leads to wilting, stunted growth, and eventually plant death. Improve drainage, remove infected plants, and avoid overwatering.
Uses Bergenia 'Ripple Effect' has many potential applications in the landscape. It is a versatile plant that can be used as a groundcover, edging plant, filler plant in flower borders, specimen plant, and container plant. It is also a good choice for shade gardens and woodland gardens.
The sturdy foliage is a nice filler in cut flower bouquets. It is quite effective at softening the hard edges of pavement. As a drought-tolerant plant, it makes an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application.
Similar Plants If you are looking for plants with similar characteristics to Bergenia 'Ripple Effect', here are a few suggestions:
- Astilbe 'Amber Moon': This Astilbe variety has feathery plumes of apricot-colored flowers that bloom in mid-summer. It prefers partial shade and moist soil.
- Athyrium 'Lady in Red': This fern has striking red stems that contrast beautifully with its green fronds. It prefers shade and moist soil.
- Brunnera 'Sterling Silver': This Brunnera variety has large, heart-shaped leaves with silvery markings. It prefers shade and moist soil.
- Hakonechloa 'All Gold': This Japanese forest grass has golden yellow foliage that adds a bright touch to shade gardens. It prefers partial shade and moist soil.
- Heuchera 'Lemon Love': This Coral Bells variety has chartreuse-yellow foliage that brightens up shady areas. It prefers partial shade and well-drained soil.
- Matteuccia struthiopteris (Ostrich Fern): This large fern has upright fronds that resemble ostrich plumes. It prefers shade and moist soil.
Bergenia 'Ripple Effect' is a beautiful and versatile plant that is a great addition to any shade garden. Its unique characteristics, such as its large, rippled leaves and deciduous nature, set it apart from other Bergenia varieties. It is a low-maintenance plant that is drought-tolerant, salt-tolerant, and deer and rabbit resistant. With its attractive foliage, delicate white flowers, and versatility in the landscape, Bergenia 'Ripple Effect' is sure to be a favorite among gardeners. Consider adding this unique and easy-to-grow plant to your garden for a touch of bold texture and enduring beauty.
Twenty (20) plants per flat (or tray). Approximate Plug Measurements: 4.25 inches deep x 2.75 inches wide.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
