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8-year-old Bergenia crassifolia exhibiting dramatic bronze-purple winter foliage color with thick evergreen leaves in winter garden setting with Helleborus, dormant Hosta, and Heuchera companions
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Perennials

Bergenia crassifolia

Heartleaf bergenia

Saxifragaceae
Siberia, Mongolia, northwestern China

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At a Glance

TypePerennial
HabitClumping
FoliageEvergreen
Height12-18 inches (30-45 cm)
Width12-18 inches (30-45 cm)
Maturity2 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3 - 8
Zone 3Zone 4Zone 5Zone 6Zone 7Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts PollinatorsDeer ResistantDrought TolerantContainer Friendly
Maintenancevery low

Overview

Bergenia crassifolia is heartleaf bergenia, growing 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) tall and wide. Pink to magenta flowers in dense clusters on stout reddish stems 12–15 inches (30–38 cm) in early to mid-spring. Dark green thick leathery rounded to obovate leaves 6–10 inches (15–25 cm) — the species name 'crassifolia' means 'thick-leaved,' and the leaves are noticeably thicker than other Bergenia species. Burgundy-purple winter foliage tints — the anthocyanin production is triggered by cold temperatures. In the saxifrage family (Saxifragaceae). The hardiest Bergenia species — tolerates zone 3 (−40°F / −40°C), native to Siberia and Mongolia where winter temperatures are among the coldest on Earth. Spreads by thick surface rhizomes to form ground-covering colonies. Slug and snail damage on the large leaves is the primary pest concern — iron phosphate bait reduces damage. Tolerates dry shade, clay, rocky soil, and neglect. Full sun in cool climates; afternoon shade in hot climates to prevent leaf scorch. Late spring frost can damage the flower stems (the buds are exposed). Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 3–8. Growth rate is moderate.

Native Range

Native to Siberia, Mongolia, and northwestern China, growing on rocky slopes, in mountain meadows, and at forest margins — the hardiest Bergenia species.

Suggested Uses

Grown as a groundcover in zones 3–8. The hardiest Bergenia — suited to extreme cold. The thick evergreen leaves with winter burgundy tints and the early spring flowers are the year-round and seasonal features. Tolerates dry shade and neglect. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant.

How to Identify

Identified by thick leathery rounded evergreen leaves 6–10 inches (15–25 cm) — thicker than other Bergenia species — and pink to magenta flower clusters on stout reddish stems in early spring. The thicker leaves and the extreme cold hardiness (zone 3) distinguish B. crassifolia from other species.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 1'6"
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"

Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years

Colors

Flower Colors

pink
magenta

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

burgundy
purple

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
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Spring
Early to mid-spring (March–April), lasting 2–3 weeks. Pink to magenta flowers on stout reddish stems. Late frost can damage exposed flower buds. The evergreen foliage with winter burgundy tints is the year-round feature.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Pink to magenta, in dense clusters on stout reddish stems 12-15 inches (30-38 cm)

Foliage Description

Dark green, thick, leathery, rounded to obovate, 6-10 inches (15-25 cm); burgundy-purple winter tints

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full SunPartial ShadeFull Shade
Requires 2-6 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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclayrocky
Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1-2 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Part shade to full sun (afternoon shade in hot climates). Tolerates dry shade, clay, rocky soil, and neglect. The hardiest Bergenia (zone 3). Slug damage on large leaves. Spreads by surface rhizomes. Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 3–8.

Pruning

Remove spent flower stems at the base. Remove tattered or damaged leaves. The evergreen foliage is self-maintaining. Divide congested clumps every 3–4 years in spring.

Pruning Schedule

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early spring

Maintenance Level

very low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 3 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic