Bergenia milesii - Elephant's Ears

Bergenia milesii is an evergreen species of small size, native to the mountains of Central Asia. However, over time, it forms extensive clumps with bright green and shiny leaves of modest size, which turn purple in winter. In early spring, it displays gracefully arching clusters of pale pink to white flowers. It is a hardy and resistant perennial, which tolerates ordinary soil that is not too dry. While this species tolerates the sun better, it still prefers a semi-shaded exposure, especially in hot climates.

Bergenia milesii is a herbaceous perennial plant of the Saxifrage family. This species is found in the mountains of Central Asia, in the western Himalayas, at an altitude between 2700 and 4700m (8858 and 15420ft), but also in Afghanistan and Tajikistan. It grows there in colonies, descending rocky and humid slopes even at very high altitudes.

It is an evergreen plant that reaches a height of 15cm (6in), with a creeping habit and vegetation gathered in tight clumps. It grows on a thick, large, and sheathed rhizome at the base of the leaves. Over time, this plant spreads, but its growth is so slow that it can hardly be considered invasive. Secondary stems appear here and there, eventually forming a beautiful carpet. The small, persistent, leathery leaves are arranged in rosettes and are shiny and glossy, with a very bright green colour in spring and summer. They are thick, of modest size, ovate in shape, notched at the base, crenate, and bordered with hairs. They are very attractive in autumn when they turn red. The flowers, which hang down towards the ground, are grouped in 20cm (8in) tall panicles. Their colour varies in nature from white ('Alba' variety) to pale pink to deep pink. They appear at the end of winter but bloom in early spring, in March-April.

Bergenias are perennials with great longevity and good adaptability, capable of living for decades without care. We have planted them in rock gardens, along riverbanks, in the sun, in shade, in dry or moist soil. The evergreen foliage takes on remarkable tones in some varieties. Bergenia milesii will grow well in most soils, but a rich, humus-rich, and moist soil is preferable. Very dry soils tend to limit its growth. It thrives in shade, semi-shade, or a sunny but not scorching position: dense shade, where it does not flower, and strong sun should be avoided. Cold and poor soils enhance its colors. If you are looking for an elegant and sturdy small Bergenias to brighten up the dreary winter days, look no further than this bergenia. It can be advantageously used in pots, rock gardens, borders, as a ground cover, or at the base of deciduous shrubs that allow winter sunlight but protect it from summer heat. It can be associated with perennial geraniums (Geranium macrorrhizum), primroses, and in woodland areas with oriental Hellebores, hostas, and Rodgersias to border a path.


Bergenia milesii and its varieties, like most Bergenias, are not afraid of snow. In nature, this plant only grows where snow is abundant in winter, as it provides excellent protection for the foliage. The leaves of this species are used by indigenous populations to make an infusion, but also as a source of tanning agents.