About
Glossy, dark emerald leaves up to 30cm long that turn reddish-bronze in winter; sprays of bright reddish-pink spring flowers are borne on red stems above the foliage.
About the genus
Bergenia are evergreen rhizomatous perennials with leathery, rounded leaves and dense, erect clusters of bell-shaped pink or white flowers in spring
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrows well in most humus-rich soils but dislikes extremes of heat and drought. Frosts may damage early flowers. See Bergenia cultivation for further advice
PruningRemove faded flower spikes and dying leaves in spring
PropagationPropagate by division or by rhizome section cuttings in Spring or Autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to vine weevil and slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a leaf spot