Bergenia crassifolia aka Elephant Ears

Bergenia crassifolia is an evergreen perennial in the saxifrage family. Its common names include leather bergenia, pigsqueak, and Siberian tea. Its native range runs from Siberia to northern Korea. It also grows wild in northwestern China. It lives on shaded rocks and stony slopes in forests and alpine zones. The plant forms low clumps and spreads slowly through rhizomes. Garden plants reach about 1–1.6 feet [0.3–0.5 metres] tall. Reported widths range from 1–3 feet [0.3–0.9 metres].

The leaves grow in rosettes close to the ground. Each leaf is thick, glossy, green, and edged with small teeth. Their shape ranges from rounded to wider near the tip. Large leaves measure about 0.67 feet [0.20 metres] long. They can reach 0.58 feet [0.18 metres] across. Some leaves take on red tones during winter, especially on exposed sites. Cold winters can leave them brown and damaged. Rubbing a leaf can make the squeak behind the name pigsqueak.

Small, tubular flowers gather in panicles above the leaves. Their pink shades may lean toward lavender or purple. The blooms nod from stiff, bare, branched stems. Flower stalks reach about 1.5 feet [0.46 metres] tall. Most accounts place bloom from March to May. Chicago Botanic Garden reports flowers through June. In mild winters, flowering can begin as early as December. Frost can harm these early blooms. Dry, oval capsules follow the flowers in summer. Each capsule has two spreading lobes and holds many smooth, black seeds.

This plant grows best in moist, humus-rich soil with good drainage. Partial shade suits it well, and it tolerates deep shade. It also grows in sun, though heat and drought can cause harm. Sandy soil, loam, clay, and chalk are all suitable. It accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline soil. Brief dry spells are tolerable, but lasting dryness harms the leaves. Shelter from cold, drying winds helps protect the foliage. Sources list USDA zones 3–8 or 4–8 and UK rating H7. Plants may take two to five years to mature.

Use it along shady paths, at border fronts, or beneath shrubs. Its broad leaves also suit woodland ground cover and flower arrangements. The flowers attract butterflies, and birds visit the plant. Remove damaged leaves in late winter or early spring. Cut off flower stems once blooms fade. Seed and division both provide ways to make more plants. Serious problems are uncommon, but leaf spot can occur. Vine weevils, slugs, and snails may attack it. People use the leaves as a tea substitute. Plants For A Future reports no known hazards. Roots, leaves, and stems contain tannin used in leather and ink production.