It is a perennial herb[2] and is native to Nepal, the eastern Himalayas, Assam, Tibet, south-central China, and Myanmar.

[1] The species, its putative variety Bergenia purpurascens var.

delavayi, and its cultivar 'Irish Crimson' have all gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

[3][4][5] A useful feature in the garden is the visual interest that its foliage provides by turning a deep beet red during the winter.

[2] The Latin specific epithet purpurascens is in reference to the foliage that is purple in color.