Bergenia 'Winterglut' in June: monthly care

Bergenia 'Winterglut' requires very little pruning, which is part of its appeal as a low-maintenance evergreen perennial. The main task is tidying rather than cutting back hard. In May or June, after the spring flowering has finished, remove the spent flower stems by cutting them back to the base of the plant. Use secateurs or sharp scissors and cut cleanly just above the foliage rosette. This prevents the plant from putting energy into seed production and keeps it looking neat. The leathery evergreen leaves are the plant's main ornamental feature, especially in winter when they turn deep burgundy-red in cold weather. However, older outer leaves naturally become tatty, scorched, or damaged over time. Remove these in late spring—May or June is ideal—by cutting or pulling them away at the base where they join the rhizome. This encourages fresh new growth and improves air circulation around the crown, reducing the risk of fungal issues. Avoid autumn or winter pruning of the foliage. Those older leaves, even if slightly battered, provide valuable protection to the crown during cold snaps and contribute to the plant's winter display. If your bergenia has become congested or the centre looks woody and unproductive after several years, you can lift and divide the whole clump in early autumn. Replant healthy outer sections with vigorous rhizomes and discard the tired centre. This rejuvenates flowering and foliage quality without any complicated cutting techniques.