Photo: Blackstem Plants
Bergenia cordifolia 'Winterglut' ('Winterglow')
Elephant ears, Pig squeak
Bergenia are adaptable, unfussy, ground cover plants for full to partial shade. They prefer humus rich, moist soil but will cope with less than perfect conditions.
The large, rubbery, evergreen leaves form a vigorous but not invasive mat and are excellent for path and border edgings or as an eye-catching specimen in shaded tubs.
In autumn and winter the leaves on 'Winterglow' take on remarkable reddish-bronze hues which remain until spring when they turn back to green.
It's at this time that any damaged leaves can be removed. From early to late spring, magenta red flowers appear in clusters on thick stems 40cm above the foliage, these also make long lasting cut flowers. Bergenia are commonly called pig squeak because of the noise produced by rubbing a leaf between thumb and finger. Have a go.
£ 6.50
Family
Plant type
Hardiness
Height
Spread
Foliage
Flower
Soil
Position
Saxifragaceae
Hardy perennial
H5
45cm
35cm
Glossy green, red in autumn
Vibrant red
Humus rich, moist wet
Full or partial shade
Shepherds Lodge•Clay Hill Road•Lamberhurst•Kent•TN3 8LT
07973 129 102