Bergenia Harzkristall - Elephant's Ears

The Bergenia hybrid 'Harzkristall' is a fairly recent variety of Bergenia, with a compact habit and an unusual bicolour flowering. In this small plant, the foliage is glossy and colourful, and the flowers, barely pinkish-white with a purple heart, are enclosed in a calyx of the same red-purple colour that makes them unique. Appealing in winter wrapped in its very firm, dark green foliage, attractive all year round, this flowering plant blooms in spring in borders, rockeries, and flowering pots. A little precious, not very large, this perennial is just as robust as its large-leaved cousins planted by our grandmothers.

The 'Harzkristall' Bergenia belongs to the Saxifrage family and is a recent variety derived, among others, from Bergenia cordifolia, a very resistant and hardy species native to the Altaï Mountains in Siberia. 'Harzkristall' will reach a height of 35-40cm (14-16in) and 30cm (12in) in width when fully grown, with a relatively slow growth. This variety has a compact habit.
This Bergenia is a persistent herbaceous perennial with a creeping habit and foliage gathered in tight tufts. It grows on a thick, fleshy, creeping 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, narrow, tough leaves, arranged in rosettes, glossy and shiny, are dark green throughout the year. They are very thick, sturdy, of modest size, and ovate in shape, finely toothed along the edges. The flowering, slightly fragrant, occurs in early spring, in April-May. The flowers, emerging from shiny purple buds, are grouped in dense panicles of almost white flowers with a red centre. They are carried by sturdy, slightly hairy, reddish-brown and shiny stems. They are quite long-lasting and can be used to make fresh spring bouquets.

The 'Harzkristall' Bergenia will grow well in most soils, but a humus-rich and slightly 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 strong sun exposure. 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, or as a small ground cover, or at the base of deciduous bushes that allow winter sun but protect it from summer heat. It can be paired with perennial geraniums (Geranium macrorrhizum), primroses, and Oriental hellebores in shady areas. Use this 'Harzkristall' Bergenia to adorn a border, embellish a partially shaded rockery, or even in a lovely jar on the terrace or balcony.

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.