Bergenia 'Eric Smith'
elephant's ears 'Eric Smith'
Outstanding for its winter leaf colour if not damaged by heavy frost. The crinkled leaves are bronze-tinted above, carmine-red below, held upright, becoming dark red in winter. Purplish-pink flowers may hide under leaves
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink | Bronze Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Bronze Green | |||
| Autumn | Bronze Green | |||
| Winter | Red |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Saxifragaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Matforming
- Genus
Bergenia are evergreen rhizomatous perennials with leathery, rounded leaves and dense, erect clusters of bell-shaped pink or white flowers in spring
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows well in most humus-rich soils but dislikes extremes of heat and drought. Frosts may damage early flowers. See Bergenia cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by division or by rhizome section cuttings in Spring or Autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Ground cover
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Remove faded flower spikes and older brown or damaged leaves in spring
Pests
May be susceptible to vine weevil and slugs and snails
Diseases
May be susceptible to a leaf spot
Get involved
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