By Jim McCausland, Sunset senior garden writer

Cruising garden centers in Oregon last month, I spotted a remarkable new hybrid bergenia. Called ‘Solar Flare’, its new leaves emerge as a variegated  combination of cream and green that eventually turns all green. In winter, older leaves run from strawberry to wine color—but new variegated leaves just keep on coming, especially during the cool months.

A mutation of ‘Herbstblute’ (‘Autumn Glory’), ‘Solar Flare’ appears to be stable: it keeps producing variegated leaves without reverting to all-green new growth as the plant ages. Plants form clumps about 10 inches tall and 12 inches wide, with rose pink flowers rising 3 or 4 inches above that in March or April.

‘Solar Flare’ has proven to be difficult to propagate, so this year its availability will be spotty (I picked mine up at Al’s Garden Center in Oregon). The producer is Terra Nova.

Plant it in full sun in mild coastal climates, or part shade where it’s warmer. The plant needs moderate watering and good drainage to thrive.