Bergenias (also known as Elephant’s Ears) originally hail from the rugged mountain ranges of Central and Eastern Asia. But don’t let their exotic origins fool you—unlike many other evergreen imports, these beauties are completely non-toxic.
Safe for the Whole Family
One of the best things about Bergenia is that it’s totally safe for both humans and pets. You can plant it in your flower beds or bring a few stems inside for a vase without worrying about your furry friends or little ones.
Low-Maintenance Pruning
Since the plant isn’t poisonous, you don’t need to take any special precautions when pruning your Bergenia. No gloves required! Plus, any trimmings can go straight into your compost pile.
As an evergreen, Bergenia keeps its looks year-round and is incredibly hardy. Thanks to its mountain heritage, it handles cold winters outdoors like a champ with very little fuss.
Finding the Perfect Spot
When it comes to light, Bergenia isn’t picky at all. It’s happy in full sun, deep shade, or anywhere in between. The only thing it’s really firm about is drainage. While it can handle a bit of a dry spell, it hates “wet feet,” so make sure your planting spot has well-draining soil to avoid root rot.
A Splash of Color
There are several different varieties to choose from, offering a lovely range of bloom colors:
- Pink
- Red
- White
Depending on which species you choose, your Bergenia will show off its flowers in either the spring or the fall.
Watering and Feeding
For the most part, Mother Nature takes care of the watering. Bergenias usually get all the moisture they need from rainfall, though you should give them a drink during those extra-crispy summer dry spells. As for feeding, if your soil is already decent, you don’t need to do much. Just toss a little compost or a bit of balanced fertilizer around the base in the fall to help the plant prep for winter.
