Bergenia 'Rotblum'

Bergenia 'Rotblum' is a selected cultivar of Begenia crassifolia. It is usually listed as Bergenia cordifolia 'Rotblum' but Bergenia cordifolia is a synonym of Begenia crassifolia. 'Rotblum' is of course, German for red flower. This is also something of a misnomer as the flowers of Bergenia 'Rotblum' are perhaps most accurately described as a deep rosy pink, certainly a deeper shade than the pale pink of the type species. The calyces and often the scape itself are reddish and tend to add colour to the flowering plant which usually blooms in April although it can be as early as March.

Bergenias can be underated and are often looked down upon as being a bit too common. In the exotic garden, their big foliage works well with other more obviously exotic plants particularly when used imaginatively, poking them into crevices and vertical nooks so they cascade down over walls and rock faces. Not to be sneered at.