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 species exhibit a range of white to dark red blooms.

The leaves of the bergenia create wonderful foliage throughout the year. They can be described as leathery or somewhat rubbery. Leaf shape and texture of bergenia has earned the plants some interesting nicknames. In addition to elephant ear, bergenia may be called heartleaf, pigsqueak, picnic plates, or leather cabbages. Leaf size may vary in length from 2-12 inches (5.08-30.48 cm) and in width from 1-6 inches (2.54-15.24 cm). Plant spread is about 1.5-2 feet (45.72-60.96), so bergenia species should be planted about two feet apart for full ground cover.

Gardeners often overlook bergenia species when choosing landscaping plants. This is unfortunate for those not in the know. Bergenia is extremely hardy, and can be planted as far north as Alaska, easily surviving the cold. You can also find autumn blooming bergenia in a few varieties, but often bergenia provides some of the first blooms of spring, along with bulb species like crocuses, tulips and daffodils.

You can grow bergenia from seed, but it also goes well from cuttings. The plant grows from rhizomes (long tube-like underground roots), which means every two years or so, you may need to break up the rhizomes so the plants do not crowd each other and provide the best blooms. Bergenia prospers well in partly shaded environments. In colder weather, heavy winds can harm bergenia. It’s useful to either provide a little wind protection by stacking some pots around the plants during winter, or by growing hedges that provide protection from the wind.

Bergenia are becoming more popular plants among the environmentally conscious because they are drought resistant. The leaves do tend to attract slugs and snails, though spreading cocoa beans around the plant can help naturally keep these pests away. Bergenia also make an excellent choice for families with young children, as the plants are non-toxic. Roots of the plants have been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, and you can find bergenia in over the counter medicinals for weight loss and kidney health.