Bergenia purpurascens var. delavayi
Delavay bergenia
An evergreen perennial to 40cm, with erect, oval, strongly purple-bronzed leaves with a rather open habit; the colour deepens in good light and cold weather. Slender reddish stems bear pendant 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 | Bronze Green | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red | Bronze Green | ||
| Autumn | Red | Bronze Green | ||
| Winter | Red | Purple |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Saxifragaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Matforming
- 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
- E Himalaya
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 by rhizome section cuttings in Spring or Autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- City and courtyard gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
- Banks and slopes
- Garden edging
- Ground cover
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
Remove faded flower spikes and older brown or damaged leaves in spring
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.