Bergenia ('Winter Fairy Tale') 'WINTERMÄRCHEN' bergenia, elephant's ears
size/type
low or groundcovering,low or groundcovering
usual height
0,3-0,4m
usual width
0,5-1m
leaves
evergreen broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
showy
colour of flowers
blooming time
April-June
location
full sun to shade
soil type
any (acidic to alkaline)
soil moisture requirements
dry or damp, but with good drainage
USDA zone (lowest)
4 (down to -34°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
Elephant’s ears is a great name that best characterizes leaves of this perennial. They are truly shaped like real ears of baby elephants. Most varieties change their colour in autumn and winter adding extra interest to borders and beds, or making a winter window pot looking especially attractive, combined with dwarf conifers or small-leaved plants like hebes. Bergenia was described by German botanist Conrad Moench (1744-1805) and named in honour of another German botanist Karl August von Bergen (1704-1759).
Description of the plant:
Bergenia Wintermärchen means Winter Fairy Tale which implies the beauty of foliage in winter. Its lush, glossy, evergreen leaves are rather elongated as opposed to rounded on the species, fresh green from spring till late summer, and rich carmine and burgundy red from autumn until early spring. Flowers are small, rich pink on the outside and pale pink inside, borne atop about 30 cm tall green stems from early April for about 4-8 weeks. Bergenia is a spreading, ground covering perennial with tough rhizomes. It likes moist but well-drained soil, rich in humus but will grow in almost any soil. Growing it in full sun will guarantee profuse flowering and richer foliage colours in autumn and winter. Avoid areas with constant drying winds. Its hardiness is at least -34°C (USDA zone 4), yet it benefits from mulching.
Last update 12-01-2016
