It is hard to imagine that Bergenias are high alpines, but there are Chinese and Himalayan species that come from high in the mountains, in sheltered places on cliffs or in the lee of the high-altitude trees or rhododendrons. They make clumps or mats of large, rounded, glossy leaves which are attractive in their own right, and have panicles of bell-shaped flowers, in shades of pink or white. There are also many cultivated varieties.

Bergenia 'Diamond Drops' is a compact, clump forming ‘elephant ears’ cultivar, with broad glossy leaves that are green in summer, becoming rose and bronze in autumn and winter. Spires of lovely bell-shaped pure white flowers resembling sparkling diamonds bring welcome spring colour.