About

Bergenia stracheyi is a low-growing, clump-forming perennial that typically reaches a height of about 20 cm. It features oval leaves with hairy edges that display a red hue during the winter months. The plant produces pink flowers on short stems, which are notably fragrant.

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, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H6

Plant details

Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial
Habit
Bushy
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, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
Native to
C Asia, Himalaya
Fragrance
Flower

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 or root rhizome 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