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 'Silberlicht' has white flowers with a deep reddish pink eye, and the white gradually turns to pale pink. They make a fine contrast with the dark red stems and calyces. The glossy leaves are mid green, but flush red in summer and are bronze as they emerge.