About

Bergenia crassifolia is a hardy, evergreen perennial that develops into a clump reaching up to 50cm in height and width. Its leaves are thick and oval to rounded, often displaying a reddish hue during the winter months, especially in exposed locations. From winter through spring, branched stems produce drooping clusters of purple-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 shade, Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H7

Plant details

Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial
Habit
Clump forming
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
0.1-0.5 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native to
NE Asia

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
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to vine weevil and slugs and snails
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to a leaf spot