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Growth Rate
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– Moderate growth rate
– Spreads by short rhizomes to form tidy clumps
– Mature size: 12–15 inches tall (flowers up to 18"), spreads 18–24 inches |
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Colorful leaves
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Flowering
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Yes |
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Bloom Color
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Disease resistant
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Yes |
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Cold Tolerant
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Yes |
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Heat Tolerant
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Yes |
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Drought Tolerant
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Yes |
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Deer Resistant
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Yes |
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Edible
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No |
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Wildlife Attraction
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– Pollinator-friendly in early spring
– Deer and rabbit resistant due to leathery foliage |
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Self-pollinating
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Seasonality
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– Spring: Main flowering season
– Summer–Fall: Attractive foliage persists
– Winter: Foliage often takes on reddish tones; remains semi-evergreen to evergreen |
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Ideal For
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– Shade gardens and woodland borders
– Groundcover or edging along paths
– Rock gardens and underplantings for trees
– Container plantings (in cool, shady areas) |
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Leaf Description
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– Large, rounded, leathery green leaves, 6–10 inches long
– Evergreen in most climates
– May turn bronze or reddish-purple in winter, especially in sun or cold snaps
– Textural and architectural in appearance |
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Flower Description
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– Clusters of pure white, bell-shaped flowers
– Borne on thick reddish stems that rise above the foliage
– Blooms in early to mid-spring (April–May)
– A striking contrast to the rich green leaves |
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Planting Instructions
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– Plant in spring or fall in well-drained but moist, fertile soil
– Space 12–18 inches apart to allow for spreading via rhizomes
– Amend poor soils with compost prior to planting
– Ideal for massing, edging, or slopes |
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Pruning & Maintenance
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– Remove spent flower stalks after blooming
– Trim old or damaged leaves as needed
– In early spring, cut away tattered winter foliage to refresh the clump |
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Water Needs
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– Moderate moisture needs
– Water regularly in dry weather, especially in sun
– Drought tolerant once established, but looks best with some irrigation |
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Light Needs
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– Grows well in full sun to partial shade
– In hotter climates, provide afternoon shade to protect foliage
– Tolerates shade but may produce fewer flowers |
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Harvesting
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– Not typically harvested for floral arrangements
– No edible or ornamental fruit
– Can be propagated easily by division in spring or fall |
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Fertilizing
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– Fertilize lightly in early spring with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer
– Avoid overfeeding, as Bergenia prefers moderately fertile soils |
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Pollination
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– Flowers attract early pollinators, including bees
– Pollinated by insects
– Produces seed but typically propagated by division |
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Companion Plants
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– Hosta, Heuchera, Pulmonaria, and Tiarella
– Combines beautifully with Ferns, Epimedium, Brunnera, and Spring bulbs
– Good underplanting for Hydrangea, Cornus, or Magnolia
– Works well along walkways, rock gardens, or woodland edges |
