Bergenia Dragonfly Series Sakura - Elephant's Ears

Bergenia cordifolia 'Sakura' (Dragonfly Series) known as Bergenia or Elephant's Ears, is a new compact variety with stunning flowering. It offers precious clusters of flowers in spring, reminiscent of those of a Japanese cherry tree; they are double to semi-double, in shades of pink, and their grace elevates this perennial, which is usually so simple, to the rank of a wonder in flower beds, rockeries, and flower pots. Its extraordinary flowering almost makes one forget its very neat appearance and its humble, tough, evergreen foliage. It is bright green in spring, joyfully turning purple in winter, and becoming black-purple in cold climates. A truly charming and carefree small variety that will thrive in mild sun or shade, in well-drained soil, even poor soil.

The 'Sakura' Bergenia belongs to the Saxifrage family, it is a new variety derived, among others, from Bergenia cordifolia, a very resistant and hardy species native to the Altaï Mountains in Siberia. 'Sakura' will reach 20-25cm (8-10in) in height and 30cm (12in) in width when fully grown, with a rather slow growth rate. This variety maintains a compact habit.

The 'Sakura' Bergenia is an evergreen perennial with a creeping habit, herbaceous, with vegetation gathered in tight tufts. It grows on a creeping, thick rhizome enveloped by the sheaths of the leaf base. Over time, this plant spreads very 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, persistent, tough, basal leaves are arranged in rosettes, shiny and glossy, bright green in spring and summer, then taking on a purplish hue with the return of cold weather, and sometimes even a nearly black-violet colour in cold climates. They are very thick, of modest size, and ovate in shape, with reddish veins. The flowers are clustered in dense panicles of double flowers in shades of cherry pink, fresh pink, and pale pink, on sturdy and slightly hairy stems. 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 'Sakura' Bergenia will thrive in most soils, but a rich, humus-rich, and moist soil is preferable. Dry soils tend to limit growth. It will prosper in shade, partial shade, or sunny but not scorching locations: dense shade should be avoided, as it does not flower, as well as strong 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 advantageously used in pots, rockeries, borders, as a small ground cover, or at the base of deciduous bushes that will let in the winter sun but protect it from its summer heat. It can be associated 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 offers excellent protection to the foliage.