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Key characteristics

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

Groundcovers

Bergenia 'Eric Smith'

Eric Smith Bergenia

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.

Light

Partial shade to full sun

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Early spring to mid-spring

Find this plant

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.