Bergenia purpurascens
purple bergenia
Eastern Himalaya and southwestern China
Overview
Bergenia purpurascens is an evergreen, clump-forming perennial in the saxifrage family, forming rosettes 10-14 inches (25-35 cm) wide and sending flower stems to 12-18 inches (30-45 cm). The leathery leaves are oval to spoon-shaped, 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long, and held more upright than in most bergenias. They are glossy dark green in summer and turn deep beetroot-red to purple in autumn and winter, with purple-flushed undersides, the coloring most intense in cold, exposed sites. In mid to late spring, thick red stems rise above the foliage carrying nodding clusters of bell-shaped flowers, each about 1 inch (2.5 cm) across, in shades of deep pink to purple-red. The plant spreads slowly by thick surface rhizomes, forming wide colonies over time. It originates in the high Himalaya and tolerates cold, wind, and poor soil once established. One limitation is that the leaves can look weathered and tattered after a hard winter, and old foliage usually needs clearing in spring. Slugs and snails may graze new growth and flower stems in damp conditions.
Native Range
Bergenia purpurascens is native to the eastern Himalaya, including Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, southwestern China, and northern Myanmar. It grows in alpine meadows, rocky slopes, and forest margins at elevations of 9,800-16,400 feet (3,000-5,000 m).Suggested Uses
Used as evergreen groundcover, as edging along paths, in rock gardens, and at the front of borders. The leathery winter foliage combines with spring bulbs and early perennials. It is grown on banks and in tough sites where poor soil and exposure limit other plants.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 1'6"
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Flowering runs from mid to late spring, usually April to May, lasting about 3-4 weeks. Red stems carry clusters of nodding bell-shaped flowers above the foliage. In mild areas a few flowers may open sporadically in late winter.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Deep pink to purple-redFoliage Description
Dark green, red-purple in winterGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 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
Grow Bergenia purpurascens in full sun to partial shade in any well-drained soil, including poor and stony ground. Winter leaf color develops most strongly in open, sunny, exposed positions, while deep shade keeps leaves greener and reduces flowering. Water during establishment and in extended dry spells; once settled the plant tolerates drought and neglect. A pH range of 5.5 to 7.5 suits it, and little or no feeding is needed. Remove tattered leaves in spring and apply a light mulch to suppress weeds. Lift and divide crowded clumps every three to four years to maintain vigor.Pruning
Pull or cut away dead and damaged leaves in spring as new growth begins. Cut flower stems back to the base after bloom. Tidy the rhizomes occasionally by removing bare, woody sections and replanting the leafy ends.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early springlate spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons