Bergenia

When winter leaves a border looking bare, Bergenia still has a presence. Its broad, leathery leaves form low evergreen mounds, sometimes deepening to burgundy in the cold. Those rounded leaves give the plant its familiar name, elephant’s ears. In spring, clusters of pink, white or rose-coloured flowers rise above them, bringing colour to the garden as it wakes. Bergenia plants look lovely along a path or at the front of a border, where their foliage can knit other planting together.

Bergenias are particularly useful beneath shrubs and in spots that receive sun or partial shade. They grow best in soil that holds some moisture without becoming waterlogged, and established clumps provide lasting ground cover with little fuss. Water new plants during dry spells and remove tired leaves or spent flower stems when needed. If a clump becomes crowded over time, dividing it encourages fresh growth. Whether you’re filling a gap or planning a whole border, Bergenia brings something to enjoy well beyond its flowering season.