Bergenia

If you are looking for excellent groundcover or a low growing front of border plant with flowers early on in the season then Bergenia may be the plant for you. Also known as “Elephants ears”, Bergenia has large glossy leaves that provide all year round interest. Flower color now ranges from white to deep magenta, something which has prompted a resurgence in this plants popularity.

How to grow

Bergenia is a very easy plant to grow which will tolerate many conditions. A true low maintenance plant that will require little care. When you receive your plants you should ensure that they are watered and planted as soon as possible. If you are unable do do this, keep roots moist and store plants in a cool but bright position until such a time arises.

Position

Bergenia is not a fussy plant and it will thrive in both sun and shade. This is particularly useful if you have difficult spots in the garden where seemingly little will grow. Bergenia can also be container grown and is quite a feature when planted around larger plants.

Soil

As long as soil is moist you will get the best from your plants. To enrich your soil you can dig it over with a garden spade or fork and incorporate plenty of organic matter, well-rotted garden compost or multi-purpose compost is sufficient. This will help to improve soil structure whilst holding on to much needed moisture. Some say that Bergenia leaves provide more winter color if grown on poor soil.

Care

In order for plants to establish well after planting you should water them regularly and take care not to let them dry out. Irrigation systems are available which will make this task simpler. Plants should be tidied up by removing faded blooms and fading leaves and these can be added to the compost bin. An annual mulch or compost can be added in spring, which will help to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Vine Weevil is a particular problem with Bergenia and there are a wide range of natural pest control products available in the pest control section of the shop to help with this.

Top tip

As Bergenia clumps become established they can often become woody with open centers. If this does happen lift clumps and divide them. Discard old growth and replant the healthy new growth.

Elephantaposs Ears

Commonly known as Elephant's Ears, because of their large, leathery, oval leaves, Bergenias have become fashionable again, thanks both to the number of new cultivators that have become widely available and to their usefulness in the garden. Bergenias are low maintenance, evergreen, will grow in sun or shade and tolerate a wide range of soils, including dry soils and clay. They make lovely edging plants, their huge leaves contrasting with the delicate fronds of ferns (in shade) or the tiny leaves of thymes (in sun). This variety has striking magenta flowers held high on scarlet stems above the foliage in mid spring. A cold snap in winter will turn the leaves from deep green to a rich claret. Garden care: After flowering remove faded flowerheads. Cut off damaged foliage in spring. Lift and divide large clumps in early spring.

Elephantaposs Ears Syn Evening Glow