Rogue Bergenia cordifolia flower (25/07/2011, London)
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Moist, well drained soil
Flowering period: Spring
Eventual Height: 45cm
Eventual Spread: 60cm
Hardiness: USDA Zone 4a-7b
Family: Saxifragaceae
Bergenia cordifolia is an evergreen perennial with a clump forming habit. Its leathery leaves are rounded, puckered and crinkle-edged and its inflorescence is in the form of racemes composed of open, cup-shaped, light pink, hermaphroditic flowers that are borne in spring on upright stalks, similar in colour to rhubarb. The leaves may turn rust brown during the winter months.
B. cordifolia, commonly known as Elephant’s Ears or Heart-Leaf Bergenia, is native to eastern Asia, including Siberia and Mongolia.
Bergenia was named after Karl August von Bergen, an 18th century German physician and botanist, with cordifolia being derived from the Latin, meaning ‘heart-shaped leaf’.
Bergenia cordifolia (25/07/2011, London)
The landscape architect may find this plant useful as an effective low maintenance ground cover plant. In colder climates its foliage can add hues of red and purple to an autumnal scheme. Once this plant is established it is drought tolerant.
The Royal Horticultural Society gave the cultivar Bergenia cordifolia ‘Purpurea’ their prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 1993.
This plant will tolerate almost any soil conditions; it will be happy at neutral, alkaline or acid pH levels, in loam, sand, chalk or clay based soils, facing any sheltered or exposed aspect. It dislikes hot dry conditions.
Ecologically this plant will attract many species of pollinating insects such as honey bees and butterflies. The foliage is also attractive as food for terrestrial gastropods
Maintenance: This plant requires little to no maintenance. Flower heads may be removed if untidy or faded. B. cordifolia may be lifted and divided in early spring.