Id-Code: BA 042
Family: Saxifragaceae
Origin: Siberia
Special Features: Incomparable fall and winter color. An improved 'Rotblum'
History: Developed from Bergenia 'Rotblum', requiring nearly forty years by Magnus Nilsson before a reliable seed strain could be introduced by Jelitto in 1988. Nilsson of Landsberg (near Helsingborg), Sweden, also bred Echinacea 'Magnus', the Perennial Plant Association's 1998 Plant of the Year.
Colour: Thick flowering clusters of red flowers wrapped like a hyacinth toward the top of the stem.
Natural Flowering Period: March - May
Winter Hardiness Zones: Z3-8
Growth Habit: Slowly spreading rhizomatous clumps
Foliage: Mostly evergreen, round, leathery leaves with undulating edges. Spectacular reddish fall and winter color.
Height with Flower: 45 cm (18'')
Spacing between Plants: 45 cm (18'')
Soil Requirement: Any average garden soils, pH 5.8 - 6.8
Location: Anything but dense shade. Intolerant of excessive heat.
Use: Plant together with Alchemilla mollis 'Select', Arum italicum and Hellebores. The leaves can be used in floral arrangements.
Specialities: Very useful foliage year round.
Cultural Tips:
Grams per 1000 seeds: 0,263
Seeds per Gram: 3800
Seeding Recommendation: 1g / 1000 plants
Sowing Rate: 4 seeds per cell
Plug tray recommended size(s): 128, 288
Germination: To obtain best germination results, seeds need temperatures of +22°C (72°F) or more. Moderate, but constant humidity is very important.
Scheduling:
Growing On:
Best Sowing Dates: Anytime
Sowing to Germination: 3 - 6 weeks
Germination to Transplant: 4 - 6 weeks
Transplanting to Salable Plant: 6 - 8 weeks
Cutting-Back at Transplanting: Not necessary
Container Size(s): 1 plug per 8/9 cm (3 1/2''); 1-2 plugs per 11/12 cm (4 1/2'')
Vernalization: A prudent recommendation would be to provide 6-12 weeks at an average daily temperature of 40°F (5°C). Exposure to cold may not be necessary for flowering but might improve quality.
Forcing: Early spring flowering. No forcing necessary.
Fertilization: Medium (150-200 ppm)
