Bergenia cordifolia Silberlicht - Elephant's Ears

Bergenia cordifolia 'Silberlicht', also known as the Cordate-leaved Bergenia or the Savetier plant, is proof that a robust and easy-to-grow perennial can also be charming. It offers a carpet of large, dark green, and glossy dentate leaves that are decorative all year round, and a beautiful flowering with clusters of white flowers and dark pink centres in spring. This simple plant is a valuable companion, just like irises and Hellebores, for bordering a pathway, dressing the top of a retaining wall, or filling a neglected slope or rockery.

Bergenia cordifolia 'Silberlicht' belongs to the Saxifrage family and is a very resistant and hardy variety, just like its ancestor from the Altaï Mountains in Siberia. In nature, the species only grows where snow is abundant in winter, as it provides excellent protection for the foliage. Easy to succeed in all regions, evergreen in winter, it announces the return of spring with its early flowering, which starts in February. The 'Silberlicht' hybrid, on the other hand, blooms a little later, from April to June depending on the region. It is a herbaceous perennial with a compact growth habit, forming loose clumps that reach a height of 30 to 45cm (12 to 18in) and a width of 50cm (20in). It grows from a creeping rhizome, which is thick and covered by the sheaths of the basal leaves. Over time, this plant spreads a 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, leathery, basal, arranged in rosettes, glossy and shiny, are dark green and dentate in 'Silberlicht'. Flowering occurs from April to June depending on the region. It consists of upright panicles of large flowers (2-3cm (1in) wide) that are white with a deep pink centre. At maturity, the flowers of 'Silberlicht' can become pale pink. They are carried by sturdy and slightly hairy, reddish stems. The flowers are quite long-lasting and can be used in spring bouquets.

Bergenia cordifolia 'Silberlicht' will thrive in most soils, but a humus-rich soil that retains some moisture is preferable. Dry soils tend to limit its growth. It will prosper in partial shade or sunny positions, but not in scorching sun. It can be used advantageously in pots, rockeries, borders, or as a small ground cover. At the base of deciduous shrubs, it benefits from winter sun and is then protected from the heat of summer. It can be combined with perennial geraniums (Geranium macrorrhizum), forget-me-nots, and in woodland areas with Epimediums, oriental Hellebores, and liverworts with stunning blue flowers...