About
Bergenia x smithii 'Distinction' is a clump-forming evergreen perennial that reaches approximately 40 cm in height. Its leaves are short-stalked and pale green, creating well-defined rosettes that take on a reddish-brown hue during the winter months. In mid-spring, elongated stems emerge, showcasing clusters of small, light 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 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)