Bergenia Dragonfly Series Pink Dragonfly - Elephant's Ears

The Bergenia hybrid 'Pink Dragonfly' is a fairly recent variety of flowering Bergenia, with a compact habit and beautifully coloured foliage in winter. Coquettish in spring and summer under its bright pink flowers, enchanting in winter wrapped in its narrow, icy purple and red foliage, beautiful all year round, this small colourful plant restores the nobility of this simple perennial often called 'Elephat's Ears. A little precious, this Bergenia is just as sturdy as its cousins with large leaves planted by our grandmothers. Use it to edge a border, enhance a semi-shady rockery, or even in a pretty jar on the terrace or balcony.

The 'Pink Dragonfly' Bergenia belongs to the Saxifrage family, it is a recent variety derived, among others, from Bergenia cordifolia, a very resistant and hardy species native to the Altaï Mountains in Siberia. 'Pink Dragonfly' reaches a height of 35-40cm (14-16in) and a width of 30cm (12in) at maturity, with a fairly slow growth rate. This variety maintains a compact habit.
The 'Pink Dragonfly' Bergenia is a creeping evergreen herbaceous perennial with foliage gathered in tight clumps. It grows on a large, thick, creeping rhizome, enveloped by the sheaths of the base leaves. Over time, this plant spreads little, as its growth is so slow that it can hardly be considered invasive. Secondary stems appear here and there, eventually forming a small colony. The small, narrow, leathery, basal leaves are arranged in rosettes, glossy and shiny, bright green in spring and summer, but then take on a plum colour with the return of cold weather, and sometimes even turn red in the cold. They are very thick, of modest size, and ovate in shape, with reddish veins. The main flowering occurs in early spring, and sporadically again in summer if the soil remains moist. The flowers are grouped in dense panicles of light and vibrant pink flowers, with a deeper pink colour near the purple centre. They are borne on sturdy, slightly hairy, purple stems. They appear from late winter but bloom in March-April. They are quite long-lasting and can be used in fresh spring bouquets.

The 'Pink Dragonfly' 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 partial shade or sunny positions that are not scorching: dense shade should be avoided, as it does not flower, as well as intense sunlight. Cold weather and poor soils enhance its colours. If you are looking for a charming and sturdy perennial that will always be attractive, look no further than this Bergenia. It can be successfully used in pots, rockeries, borders, or as a ground cover, or at the base of deciduous bushes that allow winter sun to pass through but protect it from its summer heat. It can be combined with perennial geraniums (Geranium macrorrhizum), primroses, and oriental Hellebores 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.