Overview
Bergenia hybrid 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 hybrid 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 hybrid is an evergreen herbaceous perennial belonging to the Saxifragaceae family. It forms clumps from rhizomes and features thick, rounded, glossy green leaves that often take on a red tint in winter. In spring, it produces upright clusters of bell-shaped flowers, typically pink or white. This cultivar thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers moist but well-drained soil, including loam, clay, or sand, with a range of pH levels. It is hardy in the UK (H6, H7) and is suitable 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 hybrid 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 hybrid
- 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 hybrid?
Bergenia hybrid prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Bergenia hybrid need?
Bergenia hybrid 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 hybrid hardy in the UK?
Bergenia hybrid 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 hybrid?
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