Bergenia purpurascens
purple bergenia
An evergreen perennial to 40cm, with erect, oval, dark green leaves becoming beetroot-red in winter. Slender reddish stems bear drooping clusters of deep pink flowers
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Red | Pink | Green | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Green | |||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter | Purple |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Saxifragaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Bergenia are evergreen rhizomatous perennials with leathery, rounded leaves and dense, erect clusters of bell-shaped pink or white flowers in spring
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Himalaya to Myanmar
How to grow
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
Propagation
Propagate by division or root rhizomes sections in autumn or spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- City and courtyard gardens
- Wildlife gardens
- Ground cover
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
Remove faded flower spikes
Pests
May be susceptible to vine weevil and slugs and snails
Diseases
May be susceptible to a leaf spot
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.