Family: Saxifragaceae

These easily grown perennials have large, mainly evergreen leaves and thick rhizomatous rootstocks. In some countries they are known as elephant ears. The foliage is rich green and the flowers come in a variety of shades of pink, mauve, crimson, purple or white. The plants flower in late winter in warm areas, but mainly in spring in cool zones, and are often grown as edging plants or in rock gardens. Some leaves turn red or are streaked with red in cold weather and may die back completely in some districts.

Species

B. ciliata, zone 7, native to the Himalayas, has drooping white, rose or purple flowers and grows to 30 cm (12 in).

B. cordifolia, zone 3, from Siberia, has large, glossy, roundish leaves and clusters of delicate pinkish flowers on erect stems in spring. It looks attractive in plant borders and is useful for cutting.

B. crassifolia, zone 3, has smooth leaves and pink, lilac or purple flowers in winter and spring. It grows to 50 cm (20 in).

B. purpurascens, zone 4, from India, has purple flowers and small green leaves turning purple in winter.

B. x schmidtii, zone 5, has pinky mauve flowers growing to 30-45 cm (12-18 in). This species is widely grown. There is an increasing range of lovely cultivars of these plants now coming onto the market.

Cultivation

Bergenia is easy to grow in most soil types. It is best in shade or semi-shade in warm areas but can be grown in sun in cool zones. It needs regular thorough watering in hot weather. It is easily propagated by dividing and replanting sections of the rhizome.

Climate

There are species to suit various climatic zones.