Bergenia ciliata (fringed elephant's ears) — Clump forming

Overview

Bergenia ciliata is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Bergenia, part of the Saxifragaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Bergenia ciliata grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is drought resistant. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, wildlife gardens, cut flowers, flower borders and beds, garden edging, ground cover and underplanting of roses and shrubs.

About

Bergenia ciliata (fringed elephant's ears, winter begonia, hairy bergenia, Hindi & Sanskrit : Pashanbheda, पाषाणभेद) is a plant species in the genus Bergenia, deciduous in USDA Zones 5 to 7, but usually remain semi-evergreen south of Zone 7. It is found in Northern India in Uttarakhand (Chamoli and other districts of Uttarakhand) and Himachal Pradesh (in district Shimla). This flower is related to the famous Phool Dei Festival (https://www.tourmyindia.com/states/uttarakhand/phool-dei-festival.html) celebrated in Uttarakhand. It is commonly known in India as Pathar phor buti. It is native to Nepal and West Himalaya. Mature plants reach roughly 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, carrying evergreen foliage. In the garden it prefers full sun and partial shade and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Bergenia ciliata

About the genus

Bergenia is a genus of ten species of flowering plants in the family Saxifragaceae, native to central Asia, from Afghanistan to China and the Himalayan region.

Wikipedia contributors, "Bergenia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Bergenia

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Bergenia

Sunlight: Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Bergenia ciliata size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial
Habit: Clump forming
Foliage: Evergreen
Height: 0.1-0.5 metres
Spread: 0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height: 2-5 years
Suggested uses: City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds, Garden edging, Ground cover, Underplanting of roses and shrubs

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Bergenia ciliata

Propagation: Division, Root rhizomes sections in autumn or spring
Pest resistance: Vine weevil, Slugs, Snails
Disease resistance: Leaf spot

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Bergenia ciliata?

Bergenia ciliata prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Bergenia ciliata need?

Bergenia ciliata is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.