PLANT ARCHIVE | Bergenia cordifolia
Renowned for its robust strength and vigor, Bergenia cordifolia is a hardy herbaceous perennial with rounded, glossy leaves reminiscent of elephant ears, hence its common name.
Native to Siberia, it’s large clump-forming leaves are a deep green in summer and often transition to coral, then bronze during winter. This makes their leaves popular foliage for floral arrangements. Come Spring, Bergenia’s produce clusters of small flowers in varieties of magenta, soft pink or white.
Growing conditions
Bergenias are remarkably adaptable, thriving in shady spots but also tolerating full sun. Drought-resistant and hardy, they grow up to 30cm tall and spread to around 45cm. They perform well in a range of soil types, including dry and clay-heavy soils.
Care and maintenance
A low fuss species, Bergenia cordifolia are not thirsty nor are they prone to disease. Simple deheading of faded flower stems is all that’s required to keep them looking healthy year round. They are easily propogated by division in Spring or Autumn.
Bergenia’s low growth habit makes it ideal for layering at the front of garden borders. It also performs beautifully when mass-planted as ground cover in shaded understory areas, such as beneath a bench seat.
Connect with our Melbourne garden design team to learn more about how you can incorporate this plant into your next project.