Other Names:  Giant Rockfoil, Pigsqueak, syn. Silverlight

Description:

Large glossy, leathery, cabbage-like evergreen leaves; interesting clusters of white flowers that mature to pink rise above foliage; great for shady areas, water regularly but don't overwater

Ornamental Features

Silberlicht Bergenia features unusual spikes of white flowers with hot pink eyes rising above the foliage in mid spring. Its attractive large succulent oval leaves are green in color. As an added bonus, the foliage turns a gorgeous dark red in the fall. The dark red stems can be quite attractive.

Landscape Attributes

Silberlicht Bergenia is an herbaceous evergreen perennial with a ground-hugging habit of growth. Its wonderfully bold, coarse texture can be very effective in a balanced garden composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and is best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Silberlicht Bergenia is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• Border Edging
• General Garden Use
• Groundcover

Planting & Growing

Silberlicht Bergenia will grow to be about 12 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 24 inches. Its foliage tends to remain dense right to the ground, not requiring facer plants in front. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an evegreen perennial, this plant will typically keep its form and foliage year-round.

This plant performs well in both full sun and full shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations, and should do just fine under typical garden conditions. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.