Elephant's Ears Bergenia 'Margery Fish'
ABOUT
The Bergenia 'Margery Fish' is notable for its striking foliage and flowers. The leaves are large and leathery, with a rounded shape that gives them a somewhat paddle-like appearance. The foliage is often a deep green color, adding to the plant's lush, verdant look. In colder weather, the leaves can take on a beautiful reddish or purplish tinge, providing interest throughout multiple seasons. During its blooming period, the plant produces clusters of blooms that rise above the foliage on strong stems. These flowers are bell-shaped and can be found in shades of pink, adding a delicate and graceful touch to the plant's overall appearance. The blooms are arranged in a tiered fashion, making the flowering display quite impressive and eye-catching. Overall, the appearance of Bergenia 'Margery Fish' is one of robustness and beauty, with its substantial leaves forming an attractive backdrop for its dainty flowers. The plant's capacity to change color with the seasons adds an element of dynamism to gardens and landscapes where it is included.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Saxifragaceae.
Synonyms
Elephant's Ears, Pigsqueak, Leather Bergenia, Heartleaf Bergenia.
Common names
Bergenia 'Margery Fish'
ToxicityTo humans
The Bergenia plant is generally considered to be of low toxicity to humans. However, as with many plants, it can potentially cause mild stomach upset if ingested in large quantities. Symptoms of ingestion might include nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. While it is not commonly associated with serious health risks, it is advisable to avoid eating this plant and to keep it out of reach of young children who might be tempted to chew on it.
To pets
The Bergenia plant, commonly referred to as Bergenia, is also considered to have low toxicity to pets, such as cats and dogs. If pets do ingest this plant, they might experience mild gastrointestinal upset, which could manifest as symptoms like salivation, vomiting, or diarrhea. It's not typically seen as a cause for major concern, but it is prudent to prevent pets from eating garden plants and monitor them for any signs of distress after ingestion. If noticeable symptoms occur, it's best to consult with a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1 foot [30 cm]
Spread
1 foot 6 inches [45 cm]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
Varies
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to Grow: Thrives in a wide range of soil types and requires little maintenance once established.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it has good resistance to drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Year-Round Interest: Provides visual interest throughout the year with evergreen leaves and seasonal blooms.
- Ground Cover: Its dense foliage helps suppress weeds and covers bare spots in the garden.
- Attracts Pollinators: Blooms attract bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Winter Hardiness: Capable of withstanding cold temperatures, making it a suitable choice for many climates.
- Erosion Control: Can be used on slopes or areas prone to soil erosion to help stabilize the ground.
- Ornamental Appeal: Offers aesthetic value with its attractive foliage and clusters of pink or white flowers.
- Low Fertilizer Needs: Does not require frequent fertilization, which can minimize garden maintenance and expense.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Natural Dye: Bergenia leaves can produce dyes in various shades of yellow, tan, and green, suitable for fabric and crafts.
- Ground Cover: Due to its dense foliage, Bergenia is excellent for ground cover in garden designs, helping to prevent weeds.
- Winter Garden Interest: Its evergreen leaves that turn bronze-purple in winter add visual interest to otherwise barren gardens.
- Erosion Control: The robust root system of Bergenia helps stabilize soil on slopes, thus reducing erosion.
- Border Edging: The plant's neat, clumping growth habit makes it an ideal choice for creating tidy border edges in gardens.
- Insect Attraction: Bergenia flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity.
- Leaf Mulch: Fallenthen leaves can be collected and used to create a nutrient-rich leaf mulch for garden beds.
- Pond Surroundings: Bergenia can be planted around the edges of ponds to create a natural-looking border that also offers habitat for wildlife.
- Container Gardening: It is well-suited for pots and containers, allowing for gardening in small or paved spaces.
- Floral Arrangements: Bergenia’s foliage and flowers can be used in floral arrangements for a touch of natural beauty.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Bergenia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Bergenia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Endurance – Bergenia plants are known for their hardy nature and ability to withstand harsh conditions, symbolizing resilience and enduring tough times.
- Protection – With their large leaves, Bergenias are said to symbolize shelter and protection, guarding against adversity and providing a sense of safety.
- Adaptability – The ability of Bergenia 'Margery Fish', also known as Elephant's Ears, to adapt to different environments represents flexibility and the capacity to thrive in changing circumstances.
- Longevity – Elephant's Ears are perennial plants, coming back year after year, which symbolizes long-lasting relationships, eternal love, or enduring values.
WaterElephant's Ears should be watered deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. In the growing season, you may need to water more frequently, especially if you're in a hotter climate or if the plant is in a container. Typically, for an established plant in the ground, 1 to 1.5 gallons per week is sufficient, but be prepared to adjust depending on weather conditions. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure proper drainage. During winter, reduce watering to prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged.
LightElephant's Ears thrives in partial shade to full shade conditions. The ideal spot would be a location that receives filtered sunlight or morning sun, followed by shade in the afternoon. Avoid placing them in full sun as this can scorch the leaves and cause stress to the plant.
TemperatureElephant's Ears prefer temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F for optimal growth. They can tolerate a minimum temperature down to around 20°F, but should not be exposed to frost. If the temperature regularly falls below this range in winter, consider providing some protection or moving the plant to a warmer spot.
PruningPruning Elephant's Ears is generally done to remove damaged or dead foliage and to maintain its shape. Prune away the affected leaves at the base to encourage new growth. It's best to prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Pruning annually or as needed will keep your plant healthy and looking its best.
CleaningAs needed
SoilElephant's Ears 'Margery Fish' thrive in rich, moist, well-draining soil with a pH between 5.8 and 7.2. A good mix would be peat-based compost with added perlite and organic matter to increase fertility and drainage, accommodating the plant's preference for slightly acidic to neutral soil conditions.
RepottingElephant's Ears 'Margery Fish' should be repotted every two to three years or when they outgrow their current container. It is best to repot in spring before new growth begins, using fresh soil to replenish nutrients and allow room for expansion.
Humidity & MistingElephant's Ears 'Margery Fish' prefers moderate to high humidity levels. It thrives best with humidity around 50%, which can be maintained naturally in most outdoor settings or by using a room humidifier indoors if necessary.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep in bright, indirect light and ensure good drainage.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade; mulch to retain moisture.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleMargery Fish, a cultivar of Bergenia, begins its life when seeds are sown or plants are propagated by division in the spring. The seeds germinate, and young seedlings establish themselves, developing a rosette of leathery, evergreen leaves. As the plant matures, it forms a clump with its leaves growing on short stems, preparing for the flowering season. In early to mid-spring, Margery Fish produces tall flower stalks adorned with clusters of pink flowers. After flowering, the plant sets seed, which may be dispersed and germinate to continue the life cycle, though many gardeners propagate through division to maintain the cultivar's characteristics. Bergenia 'Margery Fish' enters a period of dormancy during the winter months, although its leaves often remain evergreen, before resuming growth in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
For the Bergenia 'Margery Fish', commonly known as Elephant's Ears due to its large, rounded leaves, the most popular method of propagation is through division. The best time to propagate Bergenia 'Margery Fish' by division is in the spring or early fall, coinciding with the cooler periods of the growing season to reduce stress on the plants. To propagate by division, gently dig around the plant to lift it from the ground, careful not to damage the roots. The clump should be divided into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has at least one growth bud. After division, the sections can be replanted in well-draining soil, maintaining the same depth at which they were previously grown. Watering should be done immediately after planting to help establish the divisions. This method is quick and reliable, resulting in new plants that are true to the parent plant's characteristics.
