What is Bergenia?
Bergenia is a perennial plant noted for its hardiness, and for its evergreen leaves. They are sometimes also called elephant’s ears for their large leaf size. In many climates, the bergenia provides wide, heart-shaped, slightly curled leaves for most of the year. Colder weather will cause the leaves of the bergenia to turn a ruddy red during autumn, adding color and interest to gardens. Bergenia is native to China, and a few species to other parts of Asia. The plant is named for Karl August von Bergen, an 18th century German botanist who helped introduce the plants to Europe. By the 19th century, bergenia species were in full flower in North America, which has since produced various cultivars. Different species translate to different plant heights and flower color. One of the most well known is bergenia cordifolia, which grows to about 1.5 feet tall (45.72 cm). In late winter and early spring, tall, one foot (30.48 cm), red stalks produce clusters of bell shaped pink flowers. Other spe
Bergenia is a perennial plant noted for its hardiness, and for its evergreen leaves. They are sometimes also called elephant’s ears for their large leaf size. In many climates, the bergenia provides wide, heart-shaped, slightly curled leaves for most of the year. Colder weather will cause the leaves of the bergenia to turn a ruddy red during autumn, adding color and interest to gardens. Bergenia is native to China, and a few species to other parts of Asia. The plant is named for Karl August von Bergen, an 18th century German botanist who helped introduce the plants to Europe. By the 19th century, bergenia species were in full flower in North America, which has since produced various cultivars. Different species translate to different plant heights and flower color. One of the most well known is bergenia cordifolia, which grows to about 1.5 feet tall (45.72 cm). In late winter and early spring, tall, one foot (30.48 cm), red stalks produce clusters of bell shaped pink flowers. Other s
