Other Names:  Leather Bergenia, Heartleaf Bergenia, Pigsqueak

Description:

A coarse groundcover presenting large, green, leathery leaves with red margins rising from a clump; showy rose-pink flower clusters rise on short stalks in mid winter to early spring; best where its textured foliage and seasonal color can be appreciated

Ornamental Features

Winter Blooming Bergenia features showy spikes of rose cup-shaped flowers with pink overtones rising above the foliage from mid winter to early spring. Its attractive large textured oval leaves are forest green in color with distinctive red edges. As an added bonus, the foliage turns a gorgeous brick red in the fall. The brick red stems can be quite attractive.

Landscape Attributes

Winter Blooming Bergenia is an herbaceous evergreen perennial with an upright spreading 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.

Winter Blooming Bergenia is recommended for the following landscape applications;

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

Planting & Growing

Winter Blooming Bergenia will grow to be about 14 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 18 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 does best in partial shade to shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. 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 species is not originally from North America. It can be propagated by division.