Bergenia 'Bach'
elephant's ears 'Bach'
A herbaceous perennial, up to 40cm high, with glossy, dark green leaves, crimson-flushed in winter. In spring, red-hued stalks bear flowers, with dark pink centres, which open pale pink with white calyces and mature to white with dark pink calyces
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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–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Red | Pink White | Green | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green Red |
Position
- Full shade
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Saxifragaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- 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
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any soil that is not boggy, in sun or shade, but performs best in moist but well-drained soil in a cool sheltered position with partial shade from taller trees or shrubs, which will give the flowers protection from late frosts, and so prolong the flowering season; however a more exposed position and less rich soil will encourage winter colouring
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring or autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Banks and slopes
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
- Ground cover
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
Remove faded flower spikes and leaves to keep plants tidy
Pests
May be susceptible to vine weevil and slugs and snails
Diseases
May be susceptible to a leaf spot
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.