When the magnificent Bergenia (also known as Elephant’s Ears) takes center stage in your flower beds or rock gardens, the right neighbors can really make the whole scene pop. If you’re looking for some inspiration to create a picture-perfect arrangement with Bergenia as your star player, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s how to mix and match your Bergenia with a little bit of imagination and some pro gardening know-how.
Which perennials pair best with Bergenia?
For a truly stunning look, try pairing your Bergenia with False Spirea (Astilbe) and Eastern Sowbread (Cyclamen coum). It’s all about timing and layers! In February and March, the tiny 4-inch Cyclamen tuck their pink blossoms right at the feet of the Bergenia. Then, in April and May, the Bergenia takes over the show, showing off its own pink floral coat at about 15 inches tall. By June, the fluffy, feathery plumes of the Astilbe rise above the lush green foliage of both the Bergenia and Cyclamen. These different heights create a gorgeous, multi-tiered look that feels incredibly lush.
Which ornamental grasses look good with Bergenia?
The ‘Ice Dance’ Sedge (Carex foliosissima) is a fantastic companion for Bergenia. There’s something so peaceful about watching those delicate, green-and-white striped blades sway in the breeze next to the bold, architectural leaves of the Bergenia—it creates a beautiful contrast right at ground level. When they bloom, the graceful spikes of the sedge complement the bright pinkish-red Bergenia flowers perfectly. Here are a few other ornamental grasses that play well with Bergenia:
- Tufted Hairgrass (Deschampsia cespitosa)
- Japanese Sedge (Carex morrowii)
- Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)
- Northern Sea Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium)
How can I style the ‘Herbstblüte’ (Autumn Bloom) Bergenia?
Since the Bergenia variety ‘Herbstblüte’ treats us to a second bloom from August through October, you can get really creative by pairing it with fall-blooming perennials. Here’s a little design idea for a small rock garden space:
Starting in August, let pink Japanese Anemones (Anemone japonica) and white Stonecrop (Sedum spectabile) join the party alongside the purple-pink blooms of your ‘Herbstblüte’ Bergenia. By September, the ‘Silver Carpet’ Aster adds its own floral magic to the mix. To tie it all together, use Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) as a backdrop to add some height and texture.
Combining Bergenia and Rhododendrons
If you want a garden that makes the neighbors stop and stare, try planting winter-green Bergenia with evergreen Rhododendrons. For a “dream team” look in shades of violet and pink, pair the classic Heartleaf Bergenia (Bergenia cordifolia) with the majestic ‘Roseum Elegans’ Rhododendron, which can reach up to 6 feet tall. If you’re working with a smaller garden or large containers, the ‘Morgenröte’ Bergenia and the ‘Rosa Perle’ Dwarf Rhododendron (Rhododendron makinoi) make a lovely ruby-pink duo in the spring.