Tough, Adaptable And Lovely... Bergenias

They are good ground-cover, low maintenance, have evergreen leaves, some of which turn to red, and some lovely coloured flowers, says Tamsin Hope Thompson

- Tamsin Hope Thompson

BERGENIAS may not be glory plants, like dahlias, or plants to obsess over and collect, like snowdrops, but they are versatile and reliable. That may not sound exciting, but it is thrilling to find a low-maintenance plant that will and can grow in almost any soil, from dry through to clay; cope in partial shade or sun, as well as bringing spring flowers and architectural impact to a border.

Known as ‘elephant’s ears’ because of their large, oval-shaped leaves, you can also add fantastic foliage to their attributes. The leaves are evergreen, offering year-round interest; a beautiful glossy green through spring and summer, with many such as ‘Overture’ or ‘Purpurea’ turning shades of red, crimson and purple through winter. Look at the different varieties and you’ll notice differences in the leaves, from the shapes, which vary from wide and round to thin and oval, to the different colours, which comes in varying shades of greens and reds.

From subtle to shocking

Bergenias flower from March to April; with some later-flowering varieties flowering in April and May. They are the perfect groundcover plant, helping to prevent weeds and creating beautiful displays beneath deciduous trees, with clusters of bell-shaped showy pink or white flowers on tall stems, held above big glossy leaves, These plants gradually knit together, slowly spreading to cover bare earth.