Bergenia cordifolia 'Purpurea'
elephant's ears
Delivery options
- Standard £5.95
- Position: full sun or partial shade
- Soil: moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: average to fast
- Flowering period: Febraury to April
- Hardiness: fully hardy
The red-flushed, rippled foliage of this large elephant’s ears can grow up to 30cm long, and will turn attractive shades of rich purple throughout the winter - especially when grown on poorer soils. In late winter and early spring, Bergenia 'Purpurea' also produces tall red stems, which carry clusters of cerise pink, bell-shaped flowers. This handsome cultivar is ideal for providing low maintenance, year-round groundcover.
Plant in a sunny or partially shaded spot with a scoop of organic matter such as well-rotted or bagged compost. Water in well, and keep the area moist until the plant is well established. After flowering remove faded flowerheads, and snip off any tatty or old leaves as and when necessary. Mulch annually to promote growth, and lift and divide large clumps in early spring.