Overview
Bergenia cordifolia 'Alba' is a clump-forming, rhizomatous herbaceous perennial in the genus Bergenia, part of the Saxifragaceae family, with evergreen, glossy green, tinted red in winter foliage. Bergenia cordifolia 'Alba' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6, H7. Suggested uses include ground cover, borders, edging, woodland gardens and wildlife gardens.
About
Bergenia cordifolia 'Alba' is an evergreen herbaceous perennial cultivar within the Bergenia genus, known for its thick, rounded leaves and clump-forming, rhizomatous habit. This cultivar produces upright clusters of white, bell-shaped flowers in spring, contrasting with its glossy green foliage that may take on a red tint in winter. It thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers fertile, moist but well-drained soils across a range of types and pH levels. Suitable for sheltered positions, it is ideal for use as ground cover, in borders, edging, woodland, and wildlife gardens.
About the genus
Bergenia is a genus of ten species of flowering plants in the family Saxifragaceae, native to central Asia, from Afghanistan to China and the Himalayan region.
Wikipedia contributors, "Bergenia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Bergenia
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Bergenia
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Clay, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North, East, South, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6, H7
Plant details
Bergenia cordifolia 'Alba' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming, Rhizomatous
- Foliage
- Evergreen, Glossy green, Tinted red in winter
- Suggested uses
- Ground cover, Borders, Edging, Woodland gardens, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Bergenia cordifolia 'Alba'
- Propagation
- Division, Rhizome cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Vine weevil, Slugs, Snails
- Disease resistance
- Leaf spot
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Bergenia cordifolia 'Alba'?
Bergenia cordifolia 'Alba' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Bergenia cordifolia 'Alba' need?
Bergenia cordifolia 'Alba' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including loam, clay and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Bergenia cordifolia 'Alba' hardy in the UK?
Bergenia cordifolia 'Alba' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Bergenia cordifolia 'Alba'?
Division, Rhizome cuttings.
More in the Bergenia genus
- Bergenia 'Abendglut'elephant's ears 'Abendglut'
- Bergenia 'Ballawley'Saxifrage
- Bergenia 'Bressingham White'Elephant's Ears
- Bergenia 'Morgenröte'
- Bergenia 'Overture'Elephant's Ears
- Bergenia 'Silberlicht'elephant's ears 'Silberlicht'
- Bergenia 'Bressingham Bountiful'Saxifrage
- Bergenia 'Distinction'Saxifrage