Bergenia 'Distinction' (Saxifrage) — Mat-forming, spreading by surface rhizomes

Overview

Bergenia 'Distinction' is a mat-forming, spreading by surface rhizomes perennial in the genus Bergenia, part of the Saxifragaceae family, with evergreen; broad, leathery, rounded, often flushing red or bronze in winter foliage. Bergenia 'Distinction' grows best in full sun to full shade; winter leaf colour is strongest in sun, and tolerates any reasonable soil and including poor and stony ground soils and acid and neutral or alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6-H7. Suggested uses include borders, ground cover, rock gardens, woodland gardens, shade gardens and container planting..

About

Bergenia 'Distinction' is a mat-forming perennial in the saxifrage family that spreads by surface rhizomes. It has broad, leathery rounded leaves that remain through winter and often flush red or bronze as temperatures fall. Flowering occurs in spring from March to May on short, stout stems. It suits a wide range of sites from full sun to deep shade.

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

In the garden

A member of the Saxifragaceae, Bergenia 'Distinction' forms evergreen mats from surface rhizomes and provides year-round leaf cover. Its broad, leathery leaves commonly take on red or bronze tones in winter, while the plant produces spring blooms between March and May. The combination of persistent foliage and early flowering makes it helpful for filling gaps before larger perennials wake up. Plant it in any reasonable soil, including poor or stony ground; pH is not critical (acid, neutral or alkaline are all acceptable). It prefers moist but well drained conditions yet will tolerate dry shade once established. Light levels can vary from full sun to full shade, though the winter leaf colour is strongest in sunnier spots. Rated H6–H7 (very hardy to fully hardy), it withstands winter exposure across most UK gardens. Use Bergenia 'Distinction' as a ground cover in borders, rock gardens and woodland or shade gardens, or grow it in containers where its leaf colour can be admired close-up. It also works well edging paths and around spring-flowering bulbs, where the foliage conceals fading bulb leaves and the March–May flowers add an early season lift.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Bergenia

Sunlight: Full sun to full shade; winter leaf colour is strongest in sun
Soil type: Any reasonable soil, including poor and stony ground
Soil pH: Acid, neutral or alkaline
Soil moisture: Moist but well drained; tolerates dry shade once established
Aspect: Any
Exposure: Exposed or sheltered
UK hardiness: H6-H7

Plant details

Bergenia 'Distinction' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Mat-forming, spreading by surface rhizomes
Foliage: Evergreen; broad, leathery, rounded, often flushing red or bronze in winter
Suggested uses: Borders, ground cover, rock gardens, woodland gardens, shade gardens, container planting.

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Bergenia 'Distinction'

Cultivation: Genuinely tough plants that will grow where little else will, including dry shade and thin soil over rubble. They spread by rhizomes that creep along the surface, so the clump gradually moves outward and the centre can go bare - lifting and replanting the vigorous outer sections every few years keeps them looking well. For the best winter colour, choose a sunny position and a cultivar selected for it.
Pruning: Remove dead and tatty leaves and spent flower spikes at the base as needed through the year. No other pruning required.
Propagation: Divide the rhizomes after flowering or in autumn, cutting sections with a few leaves and roots attached and replanting firmly. Very easy to increase this way.
Pest resistance: Vine weevil grubs attack the rhizomes, and slugs and snails notch the leaf margins - cosmetic rather than serious.
Disease resistance: Generally healthy. Leaf spot causes brown blotching in wet seasons and affected leaves are simply removed.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Bergenia 'Distinction'?

Genuinely tough plants that will grow where little else will, including dry shade and thin soil over rubble. They spread by rhizomes that creep along the surface, so the clump gradually moves outward and the centre can go bare - lifting and replanting the vigorous outer sections every few years keeps them looking well. For the best winter colour, choose a sunny position and a cultivar selected for it.

Where is the best place to plant Bergenia 'Distinction'?

Bergenia 'Distinction' prefers full sun to full shade; winter leaf colour is strongest in sun. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.

What soil does Bergenia 'Distinction' need?

Bergenia 'Distinction' grows best in any reasonable soil and including poor and stony ground soil. It prefers acid and neutral or alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well drained; tolerates dry shade once established.

How do I prune Bergenia 'Distinction'?

Remove dead and tatty leaves and spent flower spikes at the base as needed through the year. No other pruning required.

Is Bergenia 'Distinction' hardy in the UK?

Bergenia 'Distinction' 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 'Distinction'?

Divide the rhizomes after flowering or in autumn, cutting sections with a few leaves and roots attached and replanting firmly. Very easy to increase this way.

More in the Bergenia genus

Browse all Bergenia →