Bergenia cordifolia Rotblum - Elephant's Ears

Bergenia cordifolia 'Rotblum', known as Heartleaf Bergenia or Elephant's Ears, is unique for the very bright pink-red colour of its flowers. Its leathery, tough, evergreen foliage forms very ornamental, ample mats. Its leaves are glossy, light green tinged with purple on the upper side, veined with purple rose on the underside, then they turn a bronze-violet hue in winter. This easy-to-grow perennial is attractive throughout the year, and its spring flowering is slightly fragrant. A truly beautiful and carefree plant that thrives in mild sun or shade, in well-drained soil, even poor soil. Both decorative and useful, this ground cover forms a thick mat and significantly limits the proliferation of adventive plants.

Bergenia cordifolia belongs to the Saxifrage family, it is a very resistant and hardy species, native to the Altaï Mountains in Siberia. It will reach 30-40cm (16in) in height and 40cm (16in) in width at maturity, with a rather slow growth.

The 'Rotblum' Bergenia is a spreading and creeping perennial, herbaceous, with its vegetation gathered in dense tufts. It grows on a thick, spreading rhizome, enveloped by the sheaths at the base of the leaves. Over time, this plant can cover a considerable area, but its growth is so slow that it can hardly be considered invasive. Secondary stems appear here and there, eventually forming a large colony. The persistent, tough, basal leaves, arranged in rosettes, are crinkled and glossy, light green tinged with pink-purple. They can reach up to 25cm (10in) in length and 20cm (8in) in width, and have a heart shape at the base. In winter, they take on a violet and bronze hue. The flowers, a bright pink turning red, are grouped in dense panicles of pendulous flowers on sturdy, hairy, red stems, 30-40cm (12-16in) tall. They appear from late winter but bloom in early spring, in March-April. They are quite long-lasting and can be used in fresh spring bouquets.

The 'Rotblum' Bergenia will grow well in most soils, but a rich, humus-rich and moist soil is preferable. Dry soils tend to limit growth. It thrives in shade, partial shade, or sunny but not scorching locations: dense shade should be avoided, as it does not flower, as well as intense sunlight. Cold and poor soils enhance its colours. If you are looking for a sturdy perennial that will always be attractive, look no further than this Bergenia. It can be used advantageously as a ground cover in rock gardens or at the base of deciduous shrubs that allow winter sun but protect it from summer heat. It can be associated with perennial geraniums (Geranium macrorrhizum), primroses, and oriental Hellebores (Helleborus orientalis) in woodland areas.


Bergenia cordifolia, like most Bergenias, is not afraid of snow. In nature, this plant only grows where snow is abundant in winter, as it provides excellent protection to the foliage.