Bergenia 'Herbstblute'

RHS Plant Profile
elephant's ears 'Herbstblute'
elephant's ears 'Herbstblute' RHS

Synonyms

Bergenia 'Autumn Glory'

Plants for pollinators
Herbaceous Perennial

'Herbstblute' is a clump-forming, evergreen perennial, to around 45cm tall, with oval, mid-green leaves, to 15cm long, that turn shades of red and purple in autumn and winter. Stout stems bear open, bell-shaped pink flowers in spring with sporadic reblooming occurring throughout the summer and occasionally into autumn

Position

Full shade, Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full shade Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Saxifragaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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

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
  • Coastal
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Ground cover
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs

Pruning

Remove faded flower spikes

Pests

May be susceptible to vine weevil and slugs and snails

Diseases

May be susceptible to a leaf spot