Genus once known as Megasea saxifrage or Megaseas. Gertrude Jekyll favoured them as edging for flower borders. She also loved their winter leaves and used them in flower arrangements with Christmas roses and forced hyacinths. A useful plant providing evergreen ground cover in places that are dry and windy. In fact the less fertile soil will often produce the finest shades of autumnal tints in Bergenia leaves. Originating in Afghanistan and Western Himalayas they were introduced to England in 1851. White flowers are supported by red stems and are very low growing compared to others only reaching 9 inches high (23cm).