About
Bergenia ciliata, the fringed elephant's ears, is a clump-forming, evergreen perennial to around 30 cm tall with substantial, rounded, hairy, green leaves tinged red in early spring. In spring, red stems carry white flowers that age to pink. The leaves may be damaged by frost but fresh ones are produced in spring. A reliable and ornamental ground-cover perennial for a moist, shaded border.
About the genus
Bergenia, the elephant's ears, are bold, evergreen, rhizomatous perennials with large, leathery, rounded leaves and dense, erect clusters of bell-shaped, pink or white flowers in late winter and spring. Excellent ground-cover perennials for shaded and partly shaded positions.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toW Himalaya
Care notes
CultivationGrows well in most humus-rich soils but dislikes extremes of heat and drought. Frosts may damage early flowers. See Bergenia cultivation for further advice
PruningRemove faded flower spikes
PropagationPropagate by division or root rhizomes sections in spring after flowering
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to vine weevil and slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a leaf spot