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Key characteristics

Family: Saxifragaceae
Height: 10 to 16 in
Width: 15 to 24 in
Flower color: Medium to bright pink flowers borne on upright stems above the foliage
Foliage color: Glossy medium to dark green leaves that may develop bronze or red tones in cool weather; broad, leathery, oval leaves
Bloom time: Early to mid spring
Light: Partial shade to full shade
Water: Moderate moisture
Maintenance: Low; remove spent flower stalks, tidy damaged foliage in early spring, divide clumps every few years if overcrowded
Growing zone: USDA zones 3 to 8
Wildlife: Bees and other early-season pollinators

Groundcovers

Bergenia 'Flirt'

Flirt Bergenia

Bergenia 'Flirt' is a compact perennial valued for its glossy, rounded foliage and tidy habit. The thick green leaves form a dense mound and often deepen to burgundy or bronze tones during cooler months. In early to mid spring, short stems rise above the foliage bearing clusters of soft pink flowers, with deeper rose buds adding layered color as the blooms open.

Introduced through European breeding programs, this cultivar fits neatly along pathways, in small borders, and at the front of mixed plantings. Its evergreen foliage provides dependable structure, while the spring blossoms pair easily with bulbs and early-flowering companions.

Light

Partial shade to full shade

Water

Moderate moisture

Bloom time

Early 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

Use this compact bergenia to define the front edge of shaded planting beds without blocking views of taller perennials behind it. Its orderly form creates a crisp border while guiding the eye naturally through layered garden compositions.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)