Overview
Bergenia yunnanensis 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 yunnanensis 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 yunnanensis is a clump-forming, herbaceous perennial within the Bergenia genus, known for its evergreen, glossy green leaves that develop a red tint in winter. This rhizomatous plant produces upright clusters of bell-shaped flowers in spring, contributing seasonal interest through to summer. It thrives in a range of soil types, including loam, clay, and sand, preferring moist but well-drained conditions and can be grown in full sun or partial shade with sheltered exposure. Suitable for ground cover, borders, and woodland or wildlife gardens, it is hardy in UK zones H6 and H7.
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 yunnanensis 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 yunnanensis
- 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 yunnanensis?
Bergenia yunnanensis prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Bergenia yunnanensis need?
Bergenia yunnanensis 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 yunnanensis hardy in the UK?
Bergenia yunnanensis 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 yunnanensis?
Division, Rhizome cuttings.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
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 cordifoliaheart-leaf bergenia
- Bergenia cordifolia 'Purpurea'elephant's ears 'Purpurea'