Bergenia 'Red Rush'

RHS Plant Profile
elephant's ears 'Red Rush'
Plants for pollinators
Herbaceous Perennial

An evergreen perennial forming a rhizomatous clump with large, oval, mid-green leaves with a fine red rim that turn entirely maroon-red in autumn. Tall stems with clusters of pinkish-red flowers on red stems appear in late winter through spring

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand, Chalk

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

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
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
Unresolved

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 by rhizome section cuttings in Spring or Autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Garden edging
  • Ground cover

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