PerennialsBergenia cordifolia
Elephant's Ears
Elephant's Ears is a tough ground cover with large, leathery leaves that turn a stunning red in autumn and winter. From March to May, clusters of pink flowers appear on sturdy stems. The plant is evergreen, extremely hardy, and thrives in almost any position.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Partial shade, Full sun
- Water
- Medium
- Height
- 30–45 cm
- Spread
- 40–60 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 3–8
- Family
- Saxifragaceae
- Evergreen
- Yes
- Flower colors
- pink
- Wildlife value
- bees
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in partial shade or sun in ordinary garden soil. The plant is not fussy about soil type. Apply a layer of compost in spring. Water during prolonged drought, but avoid waterlogged conditions.
Pruning tips
Remove brown or damaged leaves at the base in spring. Cut away spent flower stems. Leave healthy foliage in place — it colours beautifully in winter.
Good companions
PerennialsHosta sieboldiana
Hosta
Hosta is the quintessential shade plant, valued for its large, blue-green, ribbed leaves. Light purple or white bell-shaped flowers appear on tall stems in July and August. Over the years the plant forms substantial clumps that give a shaded border a lush character.
PerennialsAstilbe × arendsii
False Spirea
False Spirea is an elegant shade plant with feathery plumes in pink, red, or white above deeply cut foliage. It blooms from June to August, and the plumes retain their ornamental value even when dried. Astilbe thrives in moist, shady spots where many other plants struggle.
Ground coverAjuga reptans
Bugleweed
Bugleweed is a robust ground cover that spreads rapidly through runners. From April to June, dense spikes of blue-purple flowers rise above the dark green, glossy foliage. The plant is evergreen and forms a continuous carpet within a single growing season.