Description

Position: full sun or partial shade

Soil: any soil

Rate of growth: average to fast

Flowering period: March to April

Hardiness: fully hardy ??Commonly known as elephant’s ears, because of their large, leathery, oval leaves, bergenias have become fashionable again, thanks both to the number of new cultivars that have become widely available and to their usefulness in the garden. Bergenias are low maintenance, evergreen, will grow in sun or shade and tolerate a wide range of soils, including dry soils and clay. ??The flowers of ‘Bressingham White’ appear in profusion in spring above large, deep green leaves that it retains throughout the year. The flowers themselves often have a pink flush – particularly when they first emerge or on younger plants, but when mature, they tend to be clear white. A favourite of Edwardian garden designer Gertrude Jekyll and plantswoman Beth Chatto, this sturdy plant should be planted in groups as ground cover, for edging borders or providing a foil for delicate foliage plants.?

Garden care: After flowering remove faded flowerheads. Cut off damaged foliage in spring. Lift and divide large clumps in early spring.