Bergenia cordifolia Eroïca - Elephant's Ears

This Bergenia with cordate leaves 'Eroïca' is known for its large bronze-copper winter foliage, which is particularly colourful, and its early flowering pink fuchsia bell-shaped flowers. They stand upright from March to April on reddish stems that are slightly pendulous. The bush, with its wide, thick, and glossy leather-like leaves, is a classic in our gardens, as it is decorative all year round and can grow in the most inhospitable spaces. Robust by nature and with a hardiness that knows no bounds, this robust creeping perennial with a rhizomatous stump forms a dense evergreen ground cover even in the coldest and shadiest situations! Bergenia has no specific requirements as long as very hot and dry locations are avoided.

Bergenia cordifolia belongs to the Saxifrage family and is a very resistant and hardy species, native to the Altaï Mountains in Siberia. In nature, this plant only grows where there is abundant snow in winter, as it provides excellent protection for the foliage. Easy to grow in all our regions, it remains evergreen in winter and announces the return of spring with its early flowering. The 'Eroïca' Bergenia is a creeping herbaceous perennial with vegetation gathered in slightly loose clumps, reaching about 40cm (16in) in height and 50cm (20in) in width. It grows on a creeping rhizome, which is large, thick, and enveloped by the sheaths at the base of the leaves. Over time, this plant spreads very little, but its growth is so slow (especially in slightly dry soil) that it can hardly be considered invasive. Secondary stems appear here and there, eventually forming a colony. The large spoon-shaped leaves, 30 to 50cm (12 to 20in) long, leathery, basal, arranged in rosettes, glossy and shiny, are bright green with a copper underside in spring and summer, turning copper bronze in winter. They are very thick and have prominent veins. Flowering occurs from March, earlier or later depending on the region. It consists of erect panicles of large flowers (2-3cm (1in) wide) in pink fuchsia, slightly purple, with redder hearts. They are carried by sturdy, slightly hairy, reddish stems. The flowers are quite long-lasting and can be used in spring bouquets.

Bergenia cordifolia will grow well in most soils, but a rich humus soil that remains slightly moist is preferable. Dry soils tend to limit growth. It thrives in partial shade or sunny positions, but not scorching ones: If you are looking for a charming and sturdy perennial that will be beautiful all year round, look no further than this Bergenia. It can be used advantageously in pots, rockeries, borders, as a small ground cover, or at the base of deciduous bushes that allow winter sun but protect it from the summer heat. It can be associated with perennial geraniums (Geranium macrorrhizum), forget-me-nots, and in the undergrowth with Epimediums, Hepaticas with an incredible blue colour... Also consider planting it with carpets of daffodils, tulips, crocuses, and other plants that flower in the heart of winter, such as oriental Hellebores, to accompany its generously coloured foliage. This simple plant is a valuable companion, on par with irises and Hellebores, for bordering a pathway, dressing the top of a retaining wall, or filling a somewhat neglected slope or rockery.