About

A robust, clump-forming evergreen perennial, Bergenia 'Pugsley's Purple' reaches approximately 50 cm in height. It features broad, rounded leaves that are mid-green, transitioning to a deep red hue during the winter months. This plant produces bell-shaped flowers in shades of carmine to magenta, which typically appear early in the year, occasionally extending into spring.

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
Clay, Loam, Sand, Chalk
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect
North-facing, East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

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, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in humus-rich, moist but well drained soil in sun or part shade. Grow in sun for best autumn leaf colour. Tolerates poor soil, exposed sites and shady areas, dislikes hot dry conditions. See bergenia cultivation
Pruning
Remove faded flower spikes and leaves to keep plants tidy
Propagation
Propagate by division of established clumps, 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 (fungal)