About
Bergenia cordifolia is a robust perennial that develops a broad cluster of rounded, gently undulating leaves reaching up to 30 cm in length, which may take on a purplish hue during the winter months. In early spring, it produces upright red stems that can grow up to 60 cm tall, adorned with clusters of rich pink flowers.
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
- South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
- Native to
- Russia (Siberia)
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 autumn or spring
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to vine weevil and slugs and snails
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to a leaf spot