Bergenia crassifolia aka Elephant Ears

Taxonomy

Genus Bergenia Family Saxifragaceae Order Saxifragales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Bergenia crassifolia, also known as heart-leaved bergenia or leather bergenia, is a clump-forming evergreen perennial. It belongs to the Saxifragaceae family and is characterized by its large, glossy, and thick-leaved foliage. The leaves, which can be described as cordate or spoon-shaped, are mid-green with streaks of cream and purple, and have bristly reddish edges. In exposed sites, especially during winter, the leaves take on a red tinge. The plant reaches a height of about 45cm and produces branched reddish-green stems that bear dense clusters of purplish-pink flowers in late winter and early spring. Bergenia crassifolia is also known by various other names such as elephant-ears, Korean elephant-ear, badan, pigsqueak, Siberian tea, and Mongolian tea. It is a winter-blooming plant that can be found growing on shady, north-facing rocks, slopes, and in forest streams. The roots, leaves, and stems of Bergenia crassifolia contain tannin. One popular cultivar of this species is 'Rosa Zeiten', which has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Common names

Elephant Ears, Siberian Tea, Winter Blooming Bergenia, Korean Elephant Ear

How to care for Elephant Ears

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Elephant Ears is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

Elephant Ears should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Elephant Ears loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Fertilizer

The Elephant Ears is known for its slow growth and doesn't require fertilizing beyond its potting soil. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should offer it sufficient nutrition. It's essential to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not from fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

The Elephant Ears displays clumping growth habits, with new shoots arising from the soil close to the parent plant.

Region of origin

Elephant Ears’s native range is E. Asia - N.W. China to Siberia.

More info:
Wikipedia

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More Species in Bergenia Genus

Bergenia purpurascens

Bergenia crassifolia Elephant Ears