Bergenia 'Winterglut'

Bergenia cordifolia 'Winterglut': Winter Glow and Spring Brilliance

Rich in colour and reliable through the seasons, Bergenia 'Winterglut'—also known as 'Winter Glow'—offers year-round presence with leathery green leaves that develop deep red to wine tones in fall and winter. In early spring, vibrant magenta-pink flowers rise on sturdy stems, adding a cheerful burst of colour to the awakening garden. Its bold, evergreen foliage forms a dense, low-maintenance clump, making it a favourite for edging shaded borders, underplanting trees, or adding structure to mixed plantings.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 30–40 cm (with flowers)
• Spread: 45–60 cm, forming a broad, evergreen clump
• Flower Colour: Bright magenta-pink
• Flowering Period: Early to mid-spring
• Foliage: Glossy green, turning rich red in fall and winter; thick and rounded
• Sunlight Requirements: Part shade to full shade; tolerates full sun with adequate moisture
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soil; adaptable to clay, dry shade, and urban conditions

Uses and Benefits: Bergenia 'Winterglut' offers structure, colour, and contrast throughout the year. Its early blooms are an important nectar source for emerging pollinators, while its tough foliage provides weed suppression and visual interest in every season. Perfect for shady borders, woodland gardens, and challenging dry shade areas, it thrives with little maintenance and partners well with other textural perennials.

Companion Plants: Pair with the feathery green fronds of Athyrium 'Victorian Lady', the velvety purple foliage of Heuchera 'Plum Pudding', and the golden, upright blades of Carex elata 'Bowles Golden' for a richly layered, shade-tolerant combination with four-season appeal.

Care Instructions: Plant in part to full shade with moist, humus-rich soil. Water regularly during establishment; once established, it tolerates dry conditions well. Remove tired foliage in early spring and deadhead blooms after flowering. Divide every 3–4 years to maintain vigour and density.

History: Originally bred in Germany, 'Winterglut' was selected for its dramatic winter foliage colour and strong flowering habit. A cultivar of the hardy Bergenia cordifolia, it remains a beloved choice in temperate gardens for its resilience, long lifespan, and visual strength across the seasons.

Final Thoughts: With glowing winter colour and bright spring bloom, Bergenia 'Winterglut' offers the perfect blend of toughness and beauty—an evergreen essential for the shaded garden.