Bergenia cordifolia - Elephant's Ears

Bergenia cordifolia, also known as the Cordate-leaved Bergenia or the Siberian Tea Plant, is proof that a robust and easy-to-grow perennial can also be charming. It offers a carpet of large, decorative, light green and glossy leaves all year round, and a beautiful flowering in clusters of pink as early as the end of winter. This simple plant, which used to be found in every garden, is a valuable ally, just like irises and Hellebores, for bordering a pathway, dressing the top of a retaining wall, or filling a neglected slope or rockery.

Bergenia cordifolia belongs to the family of Saxifrages, and it is a highly resistant and hardy species native to the Altaï Mountains in Siberia. In nature, this plant only grows where snow is abundant in winter, as it provides excellent protection for the foliage. Easy to grow in all our regions, evergreen in winter, it announces the return of spring with its early flowering, which emerges as early as February.
Bergenia is a creeping herbaceous perennial with vegetation gathered in loose tufts, reaching a height of about 40cm (16in) and a width of 50-60cm (20-24in). It grows on a creeping, large, thick rhizome enveloped by the sheaths of the leaf base. Over time, this plant spreads very little, but its growth is so slow (especially in slightly dry soil) that it can hardly be considered invasive. Secondary stems appear here and there, eventually forming a colony. The large spoon-shaped leaves, thick and shiny, are basal, arranged in rosettes, and are bright green in spring and summer. In autumn, they take on a more bronzed hue and sometimes even some red nuances due to the cold. They are very thick and have prominent veins. The flowering takes place from March, more or less early depending on the region. It consists of upright panicles of large flowers (2-3cm (1in) wide) in a tender pink colour, deeper near the centre. They are carried by strong, slightly hairy, reddish stems. Quite long-lasting, the flowers can be used in fresh spring bouquets.

Bergenia cordifolia will grow well in most soils, but a humus-rich soil that remains slightly moist is preferred. Overly dry soils tend to limit its growth. It thrives in partial shade or sunny but not scorching locations. If you're looking for a charming and sturdy perennial that will look beautiful all year round, look no further than this Bergenia. It can be advantageously used in pots, rockeries, borders, or as a small ground cover, or at the base of deciduous bushes that allow winter sun but protect it from summer heat. It can be paired with perennial geraniums (Geranium macrorrhizum), forget-me-nots, and in shady areas, Epimediums, oriental Hellebores, and Hepaticas with their incredible blue flowers...