Bergenia 'Wintermärchen'

elephant's ears (syn. Winter Fairy)

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: any soil
• Rate of growth: average to fast
• Flowering period: March to April
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Commonly known as elephant's ears, because of their large, leathery, oval leaves, bergenias have become fashionable again. This is thanks to the number of new cultivars that have become widely available and to their usefulness in the garden. Bergenias are low maintenance, evergreen, will grow in sun or shade and tolerate a wide range of soils, including dry soils and clay. This variety has deep pink flowers in early spring and after it has been hit by a hard frost in autumn, the foliage will turn an attractive shade of red and remain that way until the temperatures start to rise again.
  
  
• Garden care: After flowering remove faded flowerheads. Cut off damaged foliage in spring. Lift and divide large clumps in early spring.