Bergenia

Leather bergenia (Bergenia cordifolia, Saxifragaceae) is a slow-growing clumping perennial from East Asia and Siberia, reaching about 1 foot tall with a spread of up to 2 feet. Thick, leathery, rounded leaves persist through winter and turn rust brown to copper in fall. Rigid leafless stalks carry panicles of small lavender-pink flowers in spring; flower colors across cultivars range from white and cream through pink, red, and purple. The genus name honors Karl August von Bergen (1704 to 1759), German physician and botanist.

Leather bergenia grows in sun to part shade on moist, well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0, accepting clay, loam, and sandy substrates. It is drought tolerant once established, though prolonged dry conditions can desiccate leaves. The plant is resistant to rabbit and deer browse, tolerant of heavy shade, and useful for erosion control. Maintenance needs are low. The cultivar 'Winterglut' is documented in the trade. In its native range, the rhizome has traditional medicinal uses, and leaves have been used as a tea substitute.