Bergenia Edens Magic Giant - Elephant's Ears

Bergenia 'Eden's Magic Giant' is a new variety of Bergenia that is sensational. This large Bushy Leatherleaf plant develops giant, shiny, and wrinkled leaves that gradually turn into icy tin purple, then red in autumn and winter. In spring, it produces beautiful clusters of flowers in harmonious shades of pink on dark red stems, well above its abundant foliage. A truly beautiful and carefree plant that thrives in mild sunlight or shade, in moist, well-drained, even poor soil. Both decorative and useful, this large ground cover forms a dense and thick carpet over time, significantly limiting the proliferation of adventive plants.

Bergenia cordifolia belongs to the Saxifrage family, and it is a very resistant and hardy species native to the Altaï Mountains in Siberia. Through hybridization with other species, it has given rise to numerous cultivars, each more adorable than the next. 'Eden's Magic Giant' has been awarded the Award of Garden Merit in England.

Bergenia 'Eden's Magic Giant' is a perennial herbaceous plant that persists throughout winter. It has a spreading and creeping habit, with its vegetation forming large, dense tufts. It reaches an average height of 45-50cm (18-20in) for the foliage and the same width at maturity after approximately 5 years of cultivation. This plant grows on a creeping, large, thick rhizome enveloped by the sheaths at the base of the leaves. Over time, it 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 very large basal leaves, with crumpled, leathery, shiny edges, arranged in rosettes, are bright green in spring and summer. They gradually turn purple with metallic reflections and become more red due to the cold throughout winter. They have a heart-shaped base. The flowers, which combine pale pink, brighter pink, and deep pink in the centre, are larger and frillier than those of other Bergenias. They are clustered in panicles on strong, solid, and hairy red stems, 75cm (30in) tall. They appear at the end of winter but bloom in spring, usually in April-May. They are quite long-lasting and can be used in fresh spring bouquets.

Bergenia 'Eden's Magic Giant' will grow well in most soils, but a rich, humus-rich, and moist soil is preferable. Dry soils tend to limit its growth. It thrives in shade, partial shade, or sunny positions that are not scorching: dense shade, where it does not flower, and intense sunlight should be avoided. Cold weather 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 rockeries, to border a pathway, or at the base of deciduous shrubs that allow winter sunlight but protect it from summer heat. For covering a slope, 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 provides excellent protection for the foliage.