Bergenia 'Abendglut'
elephant's ears
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- 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: April to June
- Hardiness: fully hardy
Commonly known as elephant's ears, because of their large, leathery, oval leaves, Bergenia have become fashionable again, thanks both to the number of new cultivars that have become widely available and to their usefulness in the garden. Low maintenance and evergreen, they'll grow in sun or shade and tolerate a wide range of soils, including dry soils and clay.
'Abendglut' has vivid magenta flower spikes in spring and dark-green leaves, tinged with maroon, that turn bright maroon in winter. A favourite of Edwardian garden designer Gertrude Jekyll and plantswoman Beth Chatto, this sturdy plant should be planted in groups as ground cover, for edging borders or providing a foil for delicate foliage plants.
'Abendglut' has vivid magenta flower spikes in spring and dark-green leaves, tinged with maroon, that turn bright maroon in winter. A favourite of Edwardian garden designer Gertrude Jekyll and plantswoman Beth Chatto, this sturdy plant should be planted in groups as ground cover, for edging borders or providing a foil for delicate foliage plants.
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.