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Herbaceous Perennial

Bergenia × smithii 'Distinction'

elephant's ears 'Distinction'

Clump-forming, evergreen perennial about 40cm tall, with short-stalked, pale green leaves forming distinct rosettes that are flushed red-bronze in winter. Tall stems bear small clear pink flowers in large heads, in mid spring

Synonyms

Bergenia 'Distinction'

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Ultimate height

0.1–0.5 metres

Time to ultimate height

2–5 years

Ultimate spread

0.1–0.5 metres

Clay

Loam

Sand

Chalk

Moisture

Moist but well–drained, Well–drained

pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Full sun
Partial shade

Aspect

North–facing or East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure

Exposed or Sheltered

Drought resistance

Yes

Hardiness
Hardiness ratings
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H1a: under glass all year (>15C)
H1b: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1c: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)

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

Grow in humus-rich, moist but well drained soil in sun or part shade. Grow in sun for best autumn leaf colour. Tolerates poor soil, exposed sites and shady areas, dislikes hot dry conditions. See bergenia cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by division of established clumps, or root rhizomes sections in autumn or spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

City and courtyard gardens
Cottage and informal garden
Patio and container plants
Wildlife gardens
Flower borders and beds
Garden edging
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 (fungal)

Get involved

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