Bergenia stracheyi
Strachey's elephant's ears
A compact, clump-forming, evergreen perennial, to around 20cm tall, with oval, hairy-margined green leaves that turn red in winter. Pink flowers borne on short stems are unusual in having a slight fragrance
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green Red |
Position
- Full shade
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Saxifragaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Bergenia are evergreen rhizomatous perennials with leathery, rounded leaves and dense, erect clusters of bell-shaped pink or white flowers in spring
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- C Asia, Himalaya
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows well in most humus-rich soils but dislikes extremes of heat and drought. Frosts may damage early flowers. See Bergenia cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by division or root rhizome sections in autumn or spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
- Wildlife gardens
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
- Ground cover
Pruning
Remove faded flower spikes
Pests
May be susceptible to vine weevil and slugs and snails
Diseases
May be susceptible to a leaf spot
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