Bergenia Rosenkristall - Elephant's Ears

The Bergenia hybrid 'Rosenkristall' is a recent variety of Bergenia that is both early and floriferous, with a compact habit and a neat appearance. You can enjoy its numerous clusters of light and fresh pink flowers from February to March, as well as its attractive glossy foliage all year round. This small and compact plant will eventually form an appealing ground cover even outside of its flowering period. Despite being a bit delicate, this Bergenia is just as robust as its large-leaved cousins planted by our grandparents. Use it to edge a border, enhance a semi-shaded rockery, or even in a pretty jar on the terrace or balcony.

The 'Rosenkristall' Bergenia belongs to the Saxifrage family. It is a very recent variety resulting, among others, from Bergenia cordifolia, a highly resistant and very hardy species native to the Altaï Mountains in Siberia. 'Rosenkristall' reaches a height of 35 to 40cm (14 to 16in) and a width of 30 to 40cm (12 to 16in) at maturity, with a relatively slow growth rate. This variety maintains a compact habit.

Also known as Elephant's Ears, this Bergenia is an evergreen herbaceous perennial with a creeping habit and densely clustered vegetation. It grows from a thick and robust creeping rootstock, enveloped by the sheaths of the basal leaves. Over time, this plant does not spread much due to its slow growth, making it difficult to consider it as an invasive plant. Secondary stems appear here and there, eventually forming a small colony. The small, rounded, wide, leathery, basal leaves are arranged in rosettes, glossy and shiny, and are bright green in spring and summer, often acquiring shades of red with the return of cold weather. They are very thick, of moderate size, and have prominent veins. The flowering period occurs from February to March. The flowers are densely arranged in panicles, with light and vibrant pink flowers, becoming darker towards the centre. They are borne on sturdy and slightly hairy stems, which are bronze in colour. They appear in January but fully bloom in February-March. They are quite long-lasting and can be used in winter bouquets.

The 'Rosenkristall' Bergenia will thrive in most soils, but a humus-rich and moist soil is preferable. Excessively dry soils tend to limit its growth, as do arid conditions. It will prosper in partial shade or sunny but not scorching locations: 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 charming and robust perennial that will always be attractive, look no further than this Bergenia. It can be effectively used in pots, rockeries, borders, as a ground cover, or at the base of deciduous bushes that allow winter sun but protect it from summer heat. It can be combined with early-flowering daffodils, Hepaticas, primroses to cover a slope, and in woodland areas with oriental Hellebores and hostas.


The 'Rosenkristall' Bergenia, like most Bergenias, is not afraid of snow. In its natural habitat, this plant only grows where snow is abundant in winter, as it provides excellent protection for the foliage.