Bergenia 'Sunningdale'
elephant's ears 'Sunningdale'
A clump-forming, evergreen herbaceous perennial with large, glossy green leaves, red underneath, turning to shades of red and bronze in the autumn. Tall, coral-red stems carry dark pink flowers with red-pink centres in April to May
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 | Red | Pink Red | Green | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Red Bronze | |||
| Winter | Red Bronze |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing or North–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 root rhizomes sections in autumn or spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
- Ground cover
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
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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