Selecting the best types of bergenia gives reassurance to gardeners that they will be adding plants which are both attractive and practical. Many bergenia varieties make excellent ground cover options, with their robust foliage and clump-forming growth. Several types have foliage that changes color through the seasons, giving striking displays of purple or red in winter plus green in summer. Furthermore, the best bergenias deliver vibrant shows of pink, magenta, ruby and white blooms.
‘Ground cover’ can sometimes sound like a dull concept, suggesting plants that are merely functional, smothering and suppressing weeds: end of story. Not so with bergenias – these plants are amongst our most valuable hardy perennials. Combining bold, usually evergreen foliage (for which the common name of ‘elephant’s ears’ is charmingly apt) with prolific spring flowers, bergenias are worth growing in any garden.
