About

Bergenia ciliata 'Dumbo' is a semi-evergreen perennial that grows in clumps up to 50 cm in height. The plant features broad, rounded leaves that have a fine covering of hairs; in colder climates, these leaves may drop in winter. During the spring, it produces short spikes of delicate pale pink flowers that gradually deepen in color, supported by red stems.

About the genus

Bergenia are evergreen perennials that grow from rhizomes, characterized by their thick, rounded leaves. In the spring, they produce upright clusters of bell-shaped flowers, which can be pink or white.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
North-facing, South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H4

Plant details

Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial
Habit
Matforming
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Height
0.1-0.5 metres
Spread
0.5-1 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

Cultivation
Grows well in most humus-rich soils but dislikes extremes of heat and drought. Frosts may damage early flowers. See Bergenia cultivation for further advice
Pruning
Remove faded flower spikes
Propagation
Propagate by division or root rhizomes sections in spring after flowering
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to vine weevil and slugs and snails
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to a leaf spot