Bergenia ‘Winter Fire’

An old variety which is said to have been raised by The Plantsmen - Jim Archibald and Eric Smith - c. 1975. Christopher Hallsworth, former Plant Heritage National Collection Holder, says that the cultivar is not reliably hardy and requires protection from winter frosts, however, it has survived -7C in Glasgow. It has thick, leathery, dark green leaves, reminiscent of B. 'Ballawley', that turn a pinky-red shade in autumn. Slow to get going in spring. Flowers yet to be observed.

Very rarely seen in cultivation and unfortunately no longer found for sale. I received a cutting from Christopher Hallsworth’s collection.