Elephant's ears (Bergenia)

Elephant's ears

Elephant's ears are clump-forming perennials with large, leathery leaves. They are commonly grown by gardeners due to their interesting foliage and copious flowering. The leaves are thought to resemble elephant ears, hence the common name Elephant's ears. Some plants belonging to the elephant's ears genus are known to have significant amounts of tannins, which is why cobblers used to use their roots to tan leather.

Scientific classification

Genus

Elephant's ears (Bergenia)

Family

Saxifrage

Order

Saxifrages, stonecrops and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Elephant's ears

Species

Heartleaf bergenia Purple bergenia Elephant's ears 'Spring Fling'Elephant's ears 'Baby Doll'Elephant's ears 'Bressingham Ruby'Elephant's ears 'Overture'Bergenia stracheyi 'Ice Queen'Elephant's ears 'Sakura'Elephant's ears 'Winter Glow'Elephant's ears 'Purpurea'Elephant's ears 'Flirt'Elephant's ears 'Eroica'Elephant's ears 'Bressingham White'Elephant's ears 'Rotblum'Elephant's ears 'Spring Fling'Elephant's ears 'Abendglut'Elephant's ears 'Pink Dragonfly'Elephant's ears 'Morgenrote'Bergenia ciliata

Care Guide for Elephant's ears

Every week

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Elephant's ears thrives in cool, moist environments and requires evenly moist soil. Weekly watering supports its lush foliage. Preferring outdoor conditions, it flourishes in temperate gardens. However, caution is needed during dormancy to prevent root issues due to overwatering.

Propagation: Propagation of elephant's ears typically involves division, a straightforward method best done in spring or autumn. Success relies on mild temperatures, partial shade to full sunlight, and well-draining soil. Handle rhizomes gently, ensuring divisions have a growth bud and are planted at their original depth.

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Learn More About Elephant's ears

How to Grow and Care

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