Bergenia Jelle - Elephant's Ears

Bergenia 'Jelle', known as Bergenia or Elephatnt's Ears, is a refreshing novelty. In spring, it produces reddish stems bearing clusters of white flowers with a small green centre, emerging from beautiful undulate, glossy and evergreen green foliage. Over time, this perennial can form beautiful colonies that make for a low but effective and attractive ground cover. It is a variety of discreet elegance, perfect for placement in a cool and shaded rockery or along a pathway.

Bergenia 'Jelle' is a plant from the Saxifragaceae family, of hybrid and horticultural origin. It is a perennial herbaceous evergreen plant, reaching around 35cm (14in) in height, with a creeping habit and vegetation gathered in dense clumps. It grows on a thick, sprawling rhizome enveloped by the sheaths of the base of the leaves. Over time, the plant spreads, but its growth is so slow that it is hardly considered invasive. Secondary stems appear here and there, eventually forming a beautiful carpet. The tough, rosette-shaped, glossy and shiny leaves remain a vibrant green throughout the year, even in winter. They are very thick, heart-shaped, with dentate margins. The flowers, which are mostly carried horizontally, are grouped in panicles. They are white with a green centre, and borne on red-tinted stems that rise well above the foliage. They appear in late winter or early spring but bloom in the heart of spring, in April-May.

Bergenia 'Jelle' will thrive in most soils, but a humus-rich and moist soil is preferable. Overly dry soils tend to limit its growth. It will prosper in shade, partial shade or sunny positions, but not scorching sun: dense shade should be avoided, as it prevents flowering, as well as intense sunlight. Cold weather and poor soils enhance its colours. If you are looking for an elegant and sturdy perennial that will always be attractive, look no further than this Bergenia. It can be advantageously used in pots, rockeries, borders, or as a small ground cover, or at the base of deciduous bushes that allow winter sun to pass through but protect from its summer heat. For bordering a pathway, it can be associated with perennial geraniums (Geranium macrorrhizum), primroses, and in woodland areas, with oriental Hellebores, hostas, and Rodgersias.