Northwest Blooms · Groundcovers
Bergenia 'Eric Smith'
Eric Smith Bergenia
- Family
- Saxifragaceae
- Height
- 12 to 18 inches
- Width
- 12 to 24 inches
- Flower color
- Soft pink to deep rose
- Foliage color
- Deep green leaves, with reddish tinges in cooler months
- Bloom time
- Early spring to mid-spring
- Light
- Partial shade to full sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; remove spent flowers and damaged leaves to keep tidy
- Growing zone
- Zones 4-9
- Wildlife
- Pollinators such as bees and butterflies
About this plant
Bergenia 'Eric Smith' is a bold evergreen perennial known for its leathery, rounded leaves that develop deep red hues in cooler months. In early spring, it produces clusters of soft pink flowers held on sturdy stems, providing a cheerful burst of color at a time when gardens often need it most. The foliage forms an attractive rosette, creating year-round interest and texture.
'Eric Smith' is especially valued for its vivid winter foliage and long-lasting blooms, making it an excellent choice for borders, ground cover, or woodland settings. Its resilience and adaptability ensure it thrives in various garden styles, from formal to naturalistic designs.
Works well in
Pollinator Gardens · Woodland Gardens · Borders · Deer-Prone Areas
Companion plants
Hellebores · Japanese forest grass · Brunneras · Hostas · Ferns · Pulmonarias
Design tip
Introduce this cultivar where spring flower colors transition from warm to cool throughout the garden. Its soft salmon-pink blooms blend comfortably with peaches, creams, and lavenders, creating a gradual shift that feels balanced and naturally harmonious.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Center for Urban Horticulture.
