How to Grow and Care for Elephant's ears

Heartleaf bergenia (Bergenia crassifolia) is a plant species that is tolerant to cold and warm climates. This species has leaves that change color and range from rust brown to brown-red. Heartleaf bergenia leaves are used to make tea in Siberia. Its latin name Bergenia crassifolia means "thick-leaved."

Purple bergenia (Bergenia purpurascens) is an evergreen perennial that blooms from late spring to early summer and then again in the fall. Purple bergenia flowers are fragrant and vary in color from pink to purple to bright magenta red. This plant spreads slowly and provides colorful ground cover.

Purple bergenia 'Sakura' is distinct for its bright pink, semi-double flowers. A cultivar of Bergenia cordifolia, its name refers to the Japanese word for “cherry blossom,” which its flowers resemble. Gardeners love this plant for the year-round interest it provides, displaying lovely flowers in spring and leathery green leaves that turn deep purple in autumn and winter.

The heartleaf bergenia 'Purpurea' has big round evergreen leaves and a compact, quick-spreading habit that forms clumps. Its Latin name 'Purpurea' means purple in Latin, reflecting its green foliage that turns purple in winter.

Elephant's ears 'Baby Doll' is a variety of Bergenia × spathulata, which is a hybrid that is the result of Bergenia ciliata and Bergenia stracheyi. This hybrid is known for its neat foliage and funnel flowers. Elephant's ears 'Baby Doll' has these characteristics but stands out for its baby pink flowers (hence the name) which only deepen in color with age. It was named after botanist Karl August von Bergen.