Bergenia ciliata var. ligulata (fringed elephant's ears) — Mat-forming, spreading by surface rhizomes

Overview

Bergenia ciliata var. ligulata is a mat-forming, spreading by surface rhizomes perennial in the genus Bergenia, part of the Saxifragaceae family, with evergreen; broad, leathery, rounded, often flushing red or bronze in winter foliage. It typically grows around 0.3 m tall. Bergenia ciliata var. ligulata grows best in full sun to full shade; winter leaf colour is strongest in sun, and tolerates any reasonable soil and including poor and stony ground soils and acid and neutral or alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6-H7. It is native to W Himalaya.

About

Bergenia ciliata var. ligulata is a mat-forming perennial that spreads by surface rhizomes and usually reaches about 0.3 m. It has broad, leathery rounded leaves that often flush red or bronze in winter and produces flowers in March to May. It will grow in full sun through to full shade, with the strongest winter leaf colour in sunnier sites. It tolerates a wide range of soils, including poor and stony ground.

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

In the garden

Bergenia ciliata var. ligulata originates from the western Himalaya and establishes as a spreading, mat-forming perennial with evergreen, leathery leaves. Flowering occurs in the UK from March to May, when short stalks of blooms rise above the leaf rosettes. Leaves commonly flush red or bronze in winter, giving seasonal colour outside the flowering months. Plant it where it can form a low carpet: the species accepts full sun through to full shade and will perform in any aspect and in exposed or sheltered positions. It prefers moist but well drained soil yet will tolerate dry shade once established, and copes with acid, neutral or alkaline soils — it is also at home on poor or stony ground. Winter leaf colour is strongest in sunnier locations, so choose a brighter spot if that trait is wanted. Hardiness is H6–H7, meaning it is very to fully hardy in UK gardens and will withstand cold winters. Because it spreads by surface rhizomes, allow room for it to form a mat; it suits edging, underplanting beneath trees or shrubs and stabilising thin soils where a low, evergreen ground cover is required. The broad leaves provide winter interest through their red or bronze flush even when the plant is not in bloom.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Bergenia

Sunlight: Full sun to full shade; winter leaf colour is strongest in sun
Soil type: Any reasonable soil, including poor and stony ground
Soil pH: Acid, neutral or alkaline
Soil moisture: Moist but well drained; tolerates dry shade once established
Aspect: Any
Exposure: Exposed or sheltered
UK hardiness: H6-H7

Plant details

Bergenia ciliata var. ligulata size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Mat-forming, spreading by surface rhizomes
Foliage: Evergreen; broad, leathery, rounded, often flushing red or bronze in winter
Height: 0.3 m
Native to: W Himalaya

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Bergenia ciliata var. ligulata

Cultivation: Genuinely tough plants that will grow where little else will, including dry shade and thin soil over rubble. They spread by rhizomes that creep along the surface, so the clump gradually moves outward and the centre can go bare - lifting and replanting the vigorous outer sections every few years keeps them looking well. For the best winter colour, choose a sunny position and a cultivar selected for it.
Pruning: Remove dead and tatty leaves and spent flower spikes at the base as needed through the year. No other pruning required.
Propagation: Divide the rhizomes after flowering or in autumn, cutting sections with a few leaves and roots attached and replanting firmly. Very easy to increase this way.
Pest resistance: Vine weevil grubs attack the rhizomes, and slugs and snails notch the leaf margins - cosmetic rather than serious.
Disease resistance: Generally healthy. Leaf spot causes brown blotching in wet seasons and affected leaves are simply removed.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Bergenia ciliata var. ligulata?

Genuinely tough plants that will grow where little else will, including dry shade and thin soil over rubble. They spread by rhizomes that creep along the surface, so the clump gradually moves outward and the centre can go bare - lifting and replanting the vigorous outer sections every few years keeps them looking well. For the best winter colour, choose a sunny position and a cultivar selected for it.

Where is the best place to plant Bergenia ciliata var. ligulata?

Bergenia ciliata var. ligulata prefers full sun to full shade; winter leaf colour is strongest in sun. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.

What soil does Bergenia ciliata var. ligulata need?

Bergenia ciliata var. ligulata grows best in any reasonable soil and including poor and stony ground soil. It prefers acid and neutral or alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well drained; tolerates dry shade once established.

How do I prune Bergenia ciliata var. ligulata?

Remove dead and tatty leaves and spent flower spikes at the base as needed through the year. No other pruning required.

How big does Bergenia ciliata var. ligulata grow?

Bergenia ciliata var. ligulata reaches a height of 0.3 m.

Is Bergenia ciliata var. ligulata hardy in the UK?

Bergenia ciliata var. ligulata has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.

How do I propagate Bergenia ciliata var. ligulata?

Divide the rhizomes after flowering or in autumn, cutting sections with a few leaves and roots attached and replanting firmly. Very easy to increase this way.

More in the Bergenia genus

Browse all Bergenia →