Bergenia ciliata
fringed elephant's ears
An evergreen, clump-forming perennial with large, round, hairy leaves, tinged red early in the season. In spring, red stems bear white flowers that age to pink. Leaves may be damaged by frost, but fresh ones are produced in spring. Reaches 30cm in height
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Red | Pink White | Red Green | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Saxifragaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- 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
Correct
- Plant range
- W Himalaya
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 root rhizomes sections in spring after flowering
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
- Banks and slopes
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
Remove faded flower spikes
Pests
May be susceptible to vine weevil and slugs and snails
Diseases
May be susceptible to a leaf spot
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