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Bergenia ciliata
Frilly Bergenia
Himalaya (Nepal, northern India, Afghanistan, Tibet)
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Overview
Bergenia ciliata is the frilly bergenia (hairy bergenia), growing 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) tall and wide. White to pale pink flowers in dense clusters on stout stems 12–15 inches (30–38 cm) in early spring, aging to deeper pink as they mature. Large rounded leaves 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) with ciliate (fringed) hairy margins and a hairy upper leaf surface — the species name 'ciliata' refers to these ciliate hairs. The hairy leaf texture distinguishes B. ciliata from the smooth-leaved B. crassifolia and B. cordifolia. Deciduous in cold climates — unlike most Bergenia species, which are evergreen, B. ciliata foliage is killed by hard frost (below approximately 20°F / −7°C), and the thick rhizome goes dormant through winter. This deciduous habit makes B. ciliata less cold-hardy than B. crassifolia (zone 6 vs. zone 3). In the saxifrage family (Saxifragaceae). The flowers emerge in early spring before or with the new foliage — late spring frost after emergence can damage the exposed flowers. Native to the Himalaya (Nepal, northern India, Afghanistan, Tibet), growing on rocky slopes and in mountain forest understory at 5,000–13,000 feet (1,500–4,000 m). Consistent moisture during the growing season. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Partial shade. Zones 6–9. Growth rate is moderate.
Native Range
Native to the Himalaya — Nepal, northern India, Afghanistan, and Tibet, growing on rocky slopes and in mountain forest understory at 5,000–13,000 feet (1,500–4,000 m) elevation.Suggested Uses
Grown in shade borders in zones 6–9. The hairy leaf texture distinguishes it from smooth-leaved Bergenia species. Deciduous in cold climates — less persistent than evergreen species. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 1'6"
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Early spring (March–April), lasting 2–3 weeks. White to pale pink flowers aging to deeper pink. Flowers emerge before or with new foliage — late frost can damage exposed flowers.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White to pale pink, in dense clusters on stout stems, aging to deeper pinkFoliage Description
Medium green, large, rounded, 6-12 inches (15-30 cm), with ciliate (fringed) hairy margins and hairy upper surfaceGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-5 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Partial shade to full shade. Consistent moisture during the growing season. Deciduous in cold climates (unlike most Bergenia). Less cold-hardy than B. crassifolia (zone 6 vs. zone 3). Late frost damages early flowers. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 6–9.Pruning
Remove spent flower stems at the base. Remove dead foliage after frost kills the leaves in fall. The thick rhizome is dormant through winter in cold climates.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
fallearly spring
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons