Bergenia ciliata
Bergenia ciliata• Click here to visit our Main Plant List page for current availability of this plant
• common names: bergenia
• flowering season: early to mid spring
• height: twelve to fifteen inches
• Light requirements: partial shade or morning sun
• Soil requirements: average garden soil that is well drained
• Water requirments: water a young plant regularly until it is established, after that it is drought tolerant
• Growth habit: slowly creeping
• How to propagate: dividing rooted side shoots
• Leaf type: large oval leaves covered both top and bottom with fine hairs
• Ways to use it: long lived and undemanding for shady locations; very lightly colored flowers show well in the shade
This uncommonly seen groundcover is adaptable for both dry shade and moderately moist shade. While most bergenias are evergreen, Bergenia ciliata drops its leaves over winter. Take a closer look to note the light fuzz of soft hairs that cover the leaves and the leaf stems. The garden writer, Christopher Lloyd, described this species as quote, “beautiful,” in his book on garden foliage. We agree. Very undemanding once established. It grows well in USDA Zones 5 - 8, and also in zones 9 & 10 in the West.
