Bergenia
(Pro - nun - see - ashun )
At-A-Glance InformationThis genus is commonly referred to as 'Elephant-Eared Saxifrage', 'Large Rockfoil' or 'Elephant's Ears'. Evergreen plants are typically green-leaved and produce infloresences of ruby red, pink or white flowers that rise up above foliage clumps. Bergenia is native to central Asia, including areas that stretch from Afghanistan over to China, and the regions around the Himalayan Mountains. Foliage is generally waxy and adopts reddish-bronze hues in cooler weather.
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bergenia Species and Varietals
The genus Bergenia is a member of the plant family Saxifragaceae. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map
Bergenia ciliata (Fringed Elephant's Ears) These plants can be evergreen in zones 6-H2, but are generally deciduous in cooler zones. These plants are great as a partial shade groundcover option, pathway edging, or in mixed beds as front plants. Can also be grown in container. Flowers are white to rose-pink and bloom in springtime. |
Bergenia crassifolia (Heart Leaved Bergenia, Heratleaf Bergenia, Leather Bergenia, Winter-Blooming Bergenia, Badan, Pigsqueak, Siberian Tea, Mongolian Tea) Reaching about a foot tall at maturity, these plants are winter-hardy in warmer locations, losing their leaves in cooler weather. Leaves form a basal rosette from which flower stalks bloom in spring and summertime. Flowers are pink. Varietal 'Rosa Zeiten' is a choice selection. |
Bergenia purpurascens (Purple Bergenia) This perennial species is native to Nepal, Tibet, China, and Myanmar. These plants are fantastic at creating focal points of foliage and bright pink flowers that rise above foliage in spring and summertime. Foliage turns a bright beet-red color in the cooler temperatures of fall. A popularly grown variety is Bergenia purpurascens delavayi, and cultivar 'Irish Crimson' is also a great selection. |
Bergenia Hybrids and Cultivars
This group includes plants that have been cultivated for their bright flower colors, hardiness, and foliage qualities. These plants make great additions to mixed beds, containers, and in shaded areas of the garden as groundcover plants.
This group includes plants that have been cultivated for their bright flower colors, hardiness, and foliage qualities. These plants make great additions to mixed beds, containers, and in shaded areas of the garden as groundcover plants.
Caring for Bergenia
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Bergenia are considered to be relatively robust plants, and are not susceptible to too many problems or pests, however from time to time they may need to be checked for:
- Vine Weevil
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 000 - 000, Name
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